WOULD YOU LIKE TO BIGGIE WOULD YOU LIKE TO BIGGIE SIZE THAT SHIFT? An Independent article
titled "US softens line on status of detainess" begins by claiming that
there has been "a big shift from the administration's original position,
announced on 18 January, that the detainees – said to come from 25 countries
– were neither prisoners of war nor entitled to the protections of the conventions",
and ends with these observations:

But even Mr Powell agrees that captured al-Qa'ida fighters will
not be formally declared prisoners of war. In Mr Bush's words, "these are
killers, these are terrorists, they know no country". The most that is likely
is US agreement on a tribunal, as laid down in the convention, to determine
whether captives qualify for protection. Beyond that, says Mr Bush, Washington
will observe "the spirit" of Geneva. But it will not accept any curtailment
of its right to interrogate the prisoners.

"Big shift?" Maybe the headline should read "Press softens line on status of detainees".

Posted by Moira Breen at January 30, 2002 12:01 PM