Advantage Outsiders
With the balance tilted against it, the Taliban regime will soon find itself vanquished.

Lull Before The Storm
Amid calls for a quick and decisive end to the conflict, Afghanistan has been abuzz with talk of an imminent Northern Alliance ground war against the Taliban.

History's Pointers
The Soviet Union's 10 years campaign in Afghanistan — a conflict that led to a humiliating withdrawal and, some say, its eventual breakup
— can be a learning experience for
the US.

COVER STORY: WAR ON TERRORISM

Where the leaders of America and its allies in the war stand in the campaign against Osama bin Laden and his Taliban protectors

GEORGE W. BUSH
US President

Objective: To bring Osama bin Laden and his terror network to justice or bring justice to them. Wants to make this war a campaign against a common evil: "This conflict is a fight to save the civilised world and values common to the West, to Asia, to Islam." Very keen to see that this war doesn't turn into a clash between the West and Islam. Wants to make it a campaign that is military, diplomatic and humanitarian. The immediate concern is not nation building but the end of the Taliban regime. Wants to keep the war alliance intact.

COLIN POWELL
Secretary of State

Objective: Wants to be the nice guy in Washington-moderate and even sympathetic toward the political requirements of Pakistan. Prefers a limited campaign with the widest global consensus.

D.RUMSFELD
Secretary of Defence

Objective: The Pentagon boss is for a no-nonsense American position, as opposed to the dampening Powell Doctrine. Has no problem fighting during Ramzan or giving a big hand to the Northern Alliance.

DICK CHENEY
Vice-President

Objective: The hard-core conservative is for the long haul, whatever the cost. Doesn't want to see the authors of September 11 go unpunished. It is not the coalition that is important but America.

TONY BLAIR
British Prime Minister
Objective: Wants to keep the special friendship with America intact. Eager to project himself as a world leader who understands regional sentiments.

MOHAMMAD KHATAMI
Iranian President

Objective: Ready to provide humanitarian assistance to the "Great Shaitan". Wants the Shia minority to be part of any post-war regime in Kabul.

VLADIMIR PUTIN
Russian President

Objective: Very pro-American at the moment but wants to see a major role for the Northern Alliance during and after the war.

PERVEZ MUSHARRAF
Pakistan President

Objective: Keep India away from the spoils of war. Get maximum aid from America. Moderate Taliban okay in post-war Kabul, but no Northern Alliance please.

MetroScape

Looking Glass

Mumbai Restaurant:
India Jones

Mumbai Puppetry Festival: Toccata

Bangalore Restaurant: Chung Wah

Kolkata Exhibition : Life Is Beautiful