When it comes to how America should treat anyone else, whether it be terrorists or military combatants or someone else entirely, there’s only one question to ask: “How would I want to be treated under similar circumstances?”

You need not try to excuse the question with something akin to “We’re not terrorists” or “We’d never do what they do” or any other such dismissive nonsense.  That has nothing to do with the question, let alone the point.

We label others ‘terrorists’ based solely on our view of the world.  In another country, perhaps someplace where our own soldiers are fighting for their lives regardless of reason, what treatment do they deserve if captured by those we call “the enemy”?

Only that answer has weight in the ongoing discussion regarding secret prisons, torture, right to trial, and related concepts.

Put the shoe on the other foot and consider what is acceptable for any American captured by the opposition.