CNN Inside Politics

IRAQ CAPTURES UP TO 12 SOLDIERS, POWs AIRED ON IRAQI TV CNN
March 23, 2003
Aired 16:00:00

http://www.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0303/23/ip.00.html

[Excerpt]

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Judy, it is not an understatement to say this has really been a turning point for the war with Iraq. President Bush back at the White House, not only fulfilling his role as commander in chief, but also as the leader who must comfort the nation in time of crisis. We were told President Bush, when he was at Camp David this morning, was briefed [by] CIA as well as the defense department officials. That initially those reports was [sic] that it was U.S. troops that had been missing, then captured, then killed, even some POWs have been paraded before the cameras on Arab television.

MALVEAUX: President Bush made it very clear this afternoon that -- to Iraqi officials that they must abide by the Geneva Convention accords, to treat those POWs humanely, otherwise those Iraqi officials will be treated as war criminals.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The POWs I expect to be treated humanely, just like we're treating the prisoners that we have captured humanely. If not the people who mistreat the prisoners will be treated as war criminals.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

MALVEAUX: The president, Judy, trying to paint a positive picture here but also being cautious as well. This campaign, the bombing campaign, saying, that yes, coalition forces have seized some of the south, that they've faced little resistance. Also saying, as well, that they have managed to secure some of those oil fields in the south and that Saddam Hussein is no longer in charge or in control of his country, but also, Judy, the president saying that this is going to be a tough road ahead -- Judy.

WOODRUFF: Suzanne, you obviously observed the president very closely. Every day, you are there, covering him at the White House. How does he look physically? Clearly, he must be feeling the strain of this. Did any of that come across?

MALVEAUX: Well, obviously, the president is emotional about this as all of us are, but his aids say that he holding up, that he continues to exercise, to take good care of himself, that he is focused in this, and that he is very much aware of what this means to the American people, that he realizes the sacrifices and the president is emphasizing that he does. He says that his prayers are with the families, that he understands how they feel.

WOODRUFF: All right, Suzanne Malveaux reporting for us from the White House. No one bearing the burden of the consequences of this war, in every sense of that word, than President Bush.