There has not yet been a major ground offensive battle... There are, we know, negotiations going on between the opposition forces and the Taliban leadership for surrender.

I can tell you categorically that any mal- treatment of any detainees by U.S. forces or coalition forces is totally unacceptable - that our orders have and will continue to be that we will treat everyone in our charge with - humanely and with respect.

We prefer that the leaders of the Iraqi armed forces do the honorable thing; stop fighting for a regime that does not deserve your loyalty.

Marines are very good at fighting... And if Gen. Franks wants fighters on the ground and he puts Marines in, he'll have what he wants.

From 8,000 miles away... I would not judge a fellow soldier from a friendly nation and how they are employing their resources.

Intelligence we gathered at the time indicated that this was in fact leadership and we struck the leadership.

I have sworn to uphold the Constitution ... and a free press is absolutely vital to the freedom of this country.