India's bin laden
October 1 in Srinagar was not as dramatic as September 11 in the US. But the attack on the J&K Assembly emphasises the reality that India continues to be a permanent victim of jehad, that the author of the blast is the bin Laden of Kandahar vintage.

Reclaiming The Faith
Despite Pakistan's extremist image, the country is home to a wide cross-section of people holding moderate views on religion. After the terrorist attacks on the US, it is this non-confrontationist lobby that is waging a coup against the militant and vocal religious extremists.

Ready To Strike
The US strategy to strike the Taliban includes making use of the Northern Alliance, favoured by Russia and Iran and distrusted by Pakistan. In its military pact with the front, the US should keep in mind the future power equations in Afghanistan.

COVER STORY: AFGHANISTAN

INTERVIEW: ABDULLAH ABDULLAH
"The Current Situation Was Created By Pakistan"

In an exclusive interview to India today, the foreign minister of the United Islamic and National Front for the Salvation of Afghanistan (popularly called the Northern Alliance) spoke to Executive Editor Raj Chengappa. Excerpts:

Q. How do you view India's offer of help to the US after the terrorist attacks?

A. India's stand shows the resolve to fight the menace of terrorism jointly.

Q. Pakistan is not willing to fully derecognise the Taliban. What do you think is its game plan?

A. This shows that it still wants to retain influence on Afghanistan. The current situation was created by Pakistan. Today we are asking it to change course by 180 degrees. Let's not forget it is the Taliban that gave the facility for establishing the terrorists network not only in the country but activate it in the region and now the world.

Q. Initially the front was against the US ground forces. Now do you concede that you require the US and its allies' help to win the war?

A. The issue is now different. Osama bin Laden has done certain things and the Taliban is connected. The world has to react. With the help of the global community the time taken to free Afghanistan would be less.

INTERVIEW: HAJI MOHAMMAD MOHAQIQ
"If Pakistan Tries To Plant Another Taliban Regime It Will Regret Again"

The northern alliance's home minister spoke to Assistant Editor Shishir Gupta on the future of Afghanistan. Excerpts:

Q. Do you think that by claiming to become a frontline state for war gainst terrorism Pakistan will have leverage in the future of Afghanistan?

A. Pakistan is not in a position to play the role of a frontline state as it did during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. If it tries to plant another Taliban-like leverage, it will regret once again.

Q. What is your information on the US forces launching special operations?

A. At present, we don't have an exact idea about the American military plan.

Q. What will be the key to political stability in Afghanistan?

A. The primary challenge is restoration of regional and global security. Next comes stability in Afghanistan and this problem has only one solution-righteous share of all the ethnic groups in a broad-based interim government, followed by formation of fair electoral constituencies based on population, and then a democratically-elected government.

MetroScape

Looking Glass

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