11.   Many observers question the depth of support for ground combat, a variable that has not been tested in recent polls.

12.   Once it arrives, ground combat becomes nearly impossible.

13.   The first ground combat involving the elite Rangers came within hours of a Taliban challenge to send American soldiers onto Afghanistan soil.

14.   The time may come when we cannot avoid the clash of forces in ground combat or when high casualties are inevitable.

15.   They will provide security for U.S. units carrying out search-and-rescue operations that will be needed once ground combat gets under way.

16.   U.S.-led forces were battling al-Qaida fighters in the deadliest ground combat since the war began five months ago.

17.   Bush also refused to confirm reports that U.S. special forces are in north and south Afghanistan for ground combat.

18.   But the Russians have been reluctant to engage in ground combat against the militants holding several villages in the Caucasus Mountain region of Dagestan.

19.   But the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Indian tanks have stayed back from the border, suggesting heavy ground combat is not imminent.

20.   Elsewhere, U.S. Marines killed seven Taliban and al-Qaida fighters near Kandahar in what was their first ground combat in Afghanistan.