Us Troops Prepare For Prisoners Of War

United States Marines worked today to build a detention center for prisoners of war in southern Afghanistan. So far they are holding just one detainee, 20-year-old Californian John Walker, who had joined the Taliban. Marine Captain Stewart Upton said Walker was being held as a “military detainee” and was in good condition.

The convert to Islam since he was about 16, is to be handed over to United States civilian authorities. The young man from Fairfax in Marin County surrendered near a northern Afghan city where he was caught during a prison uprising.

Air Force General Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on “Fox News Sunday” that Walker has been providing useful information to the U-S military. He said NO final decision has been made on what to do with him.

Vice President Dick Cheney said on NBC´s “Meet the Press” that someone will have to make a decision whether Walker needs to be brought to trial.

A San Francisco attorney for Walker´s parents declined comment.

The Justice Department has said Americans who have fought for the Taliban or al-Qaida could face treason, murder, conspiracy or other charges.