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Weaknesses in the prosecution's case would increase the chances that the Government would seek a deal with Noriega, offering to drop or reduce the charges in return for his cooperation in nailing other foreign drug traffickers. But at this early stage in their test of strength, neither the Government nor the defense was willing to entertain the notion in public. The President was especially touchy about speculation that his prosecutors might bargain with a drug dealer whose capture had cost several hundred Panamanian and American lives. "Our Government is not seeking a deal with Noriega," he said, although he did not rule out the possibility entirely. So far, Bush has lived up to his vow to bring Noriega to U.S. justice, no matter how long it took or what it cost. Based on that evidence, Noriega's prospects in this coming battle are not promising.