December 26, 2001

Critics of military tribunals authorized by Pres Bush say order not only violates US civil liberties but conflicts with treaties such as Geneva Convention, which guarantees certain defense and trial rights to prisoners of war; also see risks for armed forces, including war crimes charges against American officers by other countries; key issue is whether Bush means to declare that members of Taliban, Al Qaeda and other groups that support terrorists would not qualify for prisoner of war protections; Jordan J Paust says Bush unwittingly gives terrorists ability to claim that their attacks on military targets are lawful acts of combat; his photo (M)

John Bennie of Staten Island and 12 to 15 other New Yorkers form dwindling outpost of people who continue to gather at corner of Christopher and West Streets to thank workers at World Trade Center site; photos (M)

Hundreds of families gather for Christmas Eucharistic services at Cathedral Church of St John the Divine in New York City, one week after fire; visitors say it is miracle that no one was injured and that fire was contained before spreading to main sanctuary (M)

Ira Berkow Sports of The Times column praises passing ability of New Jersey Nets guard Jason Kidd, calling him gift to team and its fans; photo (M)

Leaders of Pakistan and India trade stiff warnings about risks of wider conflict as their armies trade sporadic fire in mountains of Kashmir, and continue intensive buildup along 1,800-mile border; India continues to blame Pakistan for suicide attack on Parliament, Prime Min Atal Behari Vajpayee telling Hindu nationalist youth that war is bring thrust on India; Pres Pervez Musharraf responds with speech asserting Pakistani right to match Indian might, although he bluntly acknowledges internal threat from militant Islamists linked to New Delhi attack; Musharraf speaks of 'nightmare' Pakistan has become, pointing finger at militants and venal politicians; adds conciliatory appeal to India to deal with Pakistan on equal footing (M)