11.   But administration lawyers are debating whether the Geneva Convention, which has provisions that deal with unlawful combatants, applies in this case.

12.   But administration lawyers are debating whether the Geneva Conventions, which have provisions that deal with unlawful combatants, apply in this case.

13.   He noted U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has suggested that the Americans have a process to determine who is an unlawful combatant.

14.   The treaties differentiate between prisoners of war and unlawful combatants, who would not be entitled to legal representation while in detention.

15.   They say the rights apply regardless of whether the men are considered prisoners of war or unlawful combatants.

16.   They are unlawful combatants who seek to destroy our country and our way of life.

17.   Unlawful combatants, on the other hand, may be questioned at length so long as they are not tortured or otherwise mistreated.

18.   Washington calls them unlawful combatants, a lower status that gives Washington more leeway in detaining and trying the men.

19.   But President George W. Bush has determined that all forces associated with the Taliban and al-Qaeda have the status of unlawful combatants, McNulty pointed out.