Military Ethics of Torture No single ethical issue has stirred more debate than the use of torture during military operations. The United States, a member of the United Nations and follower of the Geneva conventions, opposed the use of torture by the military under any circumstances for decades. The attacks of 9/11/2001 changed American perspectives in the conduct of war. Since the initiation of the Global War on Terror, the U.S. has been accused of and admitted to using torture as a technique to gain better intelligence for military operations. Investigations into detainee abuse and torture technique use, such as “water-boarding,” have been documented at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and in detention locations of U.S. allies in the War on Terror. You will evaluate the use of torture according to theory, history, and in modern conflict where enemies often do not correlate with national borders. Research and evaluate the following:

· The internationally recognized definitions of torture and laws pertaining to its prohibition, including rules/laws regarding torture according to the Geneva Conventions and any related United Nations.

· The historical basis for banning or permitting torture in military operations, including the conflicts that led the international community to begin drafting laws banning the use of torture.

· The Just War theory and Jus in Bello, to determine if torture is ethically permissible.

· The accusations of torture brought against the United States since the beginning of the Global War on Terror.

· The common arguments for condoning the use of torture and common arguments against the use of torture in modern military conflict. (Identify at least two of each)

· The policies that the United States instituted with regard to the use of torture in the past three to five years, and your opinion of whether or not the use of torture is justified legally or morally. Use theory and evidence from real world events to support your argument.

· Whether or not conflict against a non-state actor (such as terrorists) that is not subject to any laws, legal system or boundaries, deserves the rights specified by the Geneva Convention.

Writing the Final Paper The Final Paper:

· Must be eight to ten double-spaced pages in length, and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

· Must include a title page with the following:

· Title of paper

· Student’s name

· Course name and number

· Instructor’s name

· Date submitted

· Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.

· Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.

· Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.

· Must use at least five scholarly resources, including a minimum of two from the Ashford University Library.

· Must document all sources in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

· Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center