From: George Sherwood 

On Thu, 30 Mar 2006 01:06:40 +0200, Phil Payne wrote:

>> What is defined by the conventions is a legal combatant.  If you are not a
>> legal combatant, then the conventions do not apply to you.  That is why
>> different terms are used.  During our training we were often just referred
>> to as "War Criminal".
>
> "6. Inhabitants of a non-occupied territory, who on the approach of the
> enemy spontaneously take up arms to resist the invading forces, without
> having had time to form themselves into regular armed units, provided they
> carry arms openly and respect the laws and customs of war."

Might work for some, if you are an Afghan.  If you are an Arab there,
probably not going to work out so well for you.  Also most of these are not
carrying weapons openly and have not respected the laws and customs of war.

George

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