Terrorism has affected the world for many years, but especially since 9/11. Countless amounts of time and money have been spent; many American troops and resources are mobilized to try to stop the problem, but what happens to the terrorists once they are captured? A basic level of humane treatment must be accorded to all persons, even those suspected or convicted of terrorist offenses. Using torture to try to obtain more information is not the most useful or effective method that can be applied. Although the war on terrorism is different from any war known before, it is still a war against the United States government and the Geneva Convention must protect these war criminals. Those suspected or convicted of terrorist offenses should be afforded the same protections under the Geneva Convention as apply to prisoners of war, because they are prisoners of war and their fundamental human rights must be respected. Torture has rarely proven effective, and their roles as terrorists meet the criteria of the Geneva Convention. A terrorist is someone who uses deliberate violent tactics to attack those they view as their enemy, primarily official government-type organizations. Terrorists all share many characteristics, including committing violent attacks, creating an atmosphere of fear, wanting publicity, and not wanting to conquer, simply harming their enemy (Taylor [Page 11]). The Taliban and Al-Qaeda are two of the most well-known terrorist organizations. When a terrorist is captured, he can take two different routes. The first being to be brought before civil courts and tried by the American justice system. But it leaves them in a "legal limbo" for a while... middle of paper ...... no. International Committee of the Red Cross, October 29, 2010. Web. October 10, 2013. .Richardson, Neal A. and Spencer J. Crona. “Terrorists should be tried by a military court.” Criminal justice. Ed. Jill Karson. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2004. Opposing Viewpoints. Opposing viewpoints in context. Internet. October 15, 2013. Shapiro, Bruce. “Detainees participating in the war on terrorism should be treated as prisoners of war.” War. Ed. Louise I. Gerdes. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2005. Opposing Views. Opposing viewpoints in context. Internet. October 15, 2013. Taylor, Robert. History of terrorism. San Diego: Lucent, 2002. Print. Winn, Aidan Kirby. “Can the Gitmo terrorists be rehabilitated? Christian Science Monitor June 29, 2009: 9. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Internet. October 30. 2013.