More than 500 suspected Taliban fighters detained by U.S. forces have been released from custody at the urging of Afghan government officials, angering both American troops and some Afghans who oppose the policy on the grounds that many of those released return to the battlefield to kill NATO soldiers and Afghan civilians.

And those numbers understate the problem, military officials say. They do not include suspected Taliban fighters held in small combat outposts or other forward operating bases throughout the region who are released before they ever become part of the official detainee population.

An Afghan official who spoke on condition of anonymity said that President Hamid Karzai's government has personally sought the release of as many as 700 suspected Taliban fighters since July, including some mid-level leaders. "Corruption is not just based on the amount of money that is wasted but wasted lives when Taliban return only to kill more NATO forces and civilians," said the official, who opposes what he considers corruption in the Karzai administration.

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Yeah, I know, first thing that comes to mind is "Don't take any prisoners." But beyond the simple humane and ethics questions are the problems with witnesses and a vengeful US Army leadership looking for sacrificial scapegoats.

Consider the case of US Army Ranger 1st Lt Michael Behenna, originally sentenced to 25 years at Leavenworth, now reduced to only 15 years. He shot an Al Qaeda terrorist in self-defense but was convicted of murder in an Army court martial when the prosecution did not allow their own ballistics expert to present evidence that would have proven the Lieutenant's innocence. There's a place on the site to contribute to his defense fund. I've chipped in. His family is still hoping for justice.

1st Lt Behenna and Lt Col West

Consider the case of US Army Lt Col (Ret) Allen West who recently was elected to congress representing Florida. He was forced to retire from his Army career because he "frightened" a terrorist he was questioning about recent fatal attacks on his men, by firing his M-9 pistol near the man. He has said he would do it again to protect his men. I contributed to his campaign even though he's in Florida and I'm in Texas.

There have been others... remember the Navy SEALs who were accused of roughing up a captured terrorist and chose to be tried by court martial rather than routinely accept the false charges at "Captain's Mast", a lesser disciplinary function.

How many of our warriors have been killed or maimed by jihadis who exploited the fucked-up Rules of Engagement to sneak off the battlefield and come back to kill another day?

How many have returned from "catch and release" to kill American GIs? How many have done that cycle more than once?

Where does it say that WE always have to be the Good Guys and fight like gentlemen and follow all the Laws of Armed Conflict? Just once, I'd like to be the barbarians and kick the shit out of anyone who dares to takes the field in opposition to us.