[Jonah Johansen]

Does anyone know the actual status under the Geneva Convention of "insurgent" guerilla type fighters. My assumption is that armed enemy combatants not in uniform engaging in hostile action are afforded no protection.
I think in World War II German army infiltrators were summarily executed when captured. I think the same was the case in the Civil War.
I would think also some one not in a military uniform who fires an AK-47 at an Iraqi soldier could simply be arrested for treason, a capital crime, tried and executed by civilian authorities.

[lepton]

I think in World War II German army infiltrators were summarily executed when captured.

No. They were tried under military tribunal...and then executed.

[LinnieBeth]

the actual status under the Geneva Convention of "insurgent" guerilla type fighters. My assumption is that armed enemy combatants not in uniform engaging in hostile action are afforded no protection.

Exactly so- at least that's what I've read; and what has made it so important that our detainees are given the status POW