Let's say I'm an ordinary average American citizen who is (theoretically) actively fomenting revolution in a region beyond the rule of law. Who knows, maybe I'm actually an anthropology student doing an ethnographic study of Jihadists in Southern Yemen and their courtship rituals.
What should the Federal Government do about me?
More below the fold.
Does it do nothing and hope I'm incompetent at my goal of death to the Great Satan/crazy enough that the Yemeni have pity towards me and let me finish my study so I can improve my field of study so the Great Satan can defeat them in the long game?
Does it ask the country I'm operating out of(and has ceded the countryside to my compatriots/group of study) to come out and get me?
Does it put troops in harm's way to capture me so they bring me up on charges/save me from myself?
Does it formally declare war on me as an individual person? Does it do it in a list? Does it publish this list so I can respond in absentia? Can my doctoral supervisor vouch for me
Or does it obtain information on my whereabouts, then have death from above rain down on me?
Asymmetrical warfare usually involves the smaller side not adhering to the rules of war. In our modern world the concept of front lines or active fields of battle are loose at best. Since I'm amongst them, shouldn't I be considered an acceptable target in the field of battle since I'm in the way, no matter what my actual acts are?
Not to Godwin this up, but say I was with Rommel behind the lines when his staff car was strafed(however implausible that is.) Does anything change beyond Germany's formal declaration of war on us?