Letters of Marque and Reprisal...

[Son of Detroit]

I understand the basic gist of the L of M&R. They should have been issued to go after Al-Qaeda after 9-11, and would enabled us to see out those responsible for the attacks without declaring war (well...) against a whole foreign nation.

However, there's one thing I don't understand. What are the international rules for the letters of marque? If the U.S issues them to go after Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, does the country of Afghanistan have to comply and let our military enter their country? Can they refuse or is there some law that would make the country comply?

Also, why doesn't Ron push these more? Play up the angle that we should have issued letters of marque and reprisal in order to destroy the terrorists. No one could accuse him of being soft on national security.

 

[TastyWheat]

I was under the impression that letters of marque and reprisal were essentially bounties. If the people of Afghanistan wanted the money/reward all they would have to do is kill or extradite Al Qaeda members to the US. Our military wouldn't have to go over there basically.

 

[Toureg89]

a bounty is a bounty, open to all, so long as they bring forth the targeted individual.

it could have been afghan officials who try to collect on it, mossad, or even pmc firms like blackwater.

the possibilities are endless.