We Are NOT At War With Al-Qaida.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100109/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_al_qaida_terror_attacks
Attacks show al-Qaida-inspired groups target West

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was arrested by local police, held in a local jail, and is being tried as a local criminal.

Al-Qaida is not a country, it doesn't even have any set location. Al-Qaida is not a military organization, it does not even have a uniform. Al-Qaida is so understaffed they are sending out suicide bombers who have no experience. Al-Qaida is so disorganized, that splinter groups conduct their own planning and attacks. So it makes complete sense to treat them as if they are common criminals.

Since we don't use the military to deal with terrorists in our country, we might be better off sending the police after the al-Qaida who reside in foreign countries. It would at least be more consistent with how we treat terrorists in our country.