Taliban control 'begins to crumble'

by Robert Fox

Taliban control over much of Afghanistan may be crumbling with men reported to be deserting the forces in significant numbers.

Reports reaching Pakistan suggest young men have been vigorously opposing the press gangs and call-up for a jihad against America and its allies.

In Kabul looting of houses and shops has been spreading all week, and according to some refugees, it has often been the work of Taliban police.

Refugees in Pakistan are saying that support for Osama bin Laden by Afghans is non-existent - despite the extravagant claims to the contrary by the Taliban propaganda machine.

Many refugees blame the Taliban and their gangs of youthful zealots for adding to the miseries of an already ruined country. For America and its allies, particularly those in places like Turkey, the Taliban is an international nuisance because of the regime's dependence on revenue from heroin and opium.

There are now signs that the concerted pressure on the Taliban may be having an impact. The movement's religious leaders say they have delivered an edict requesting chief terror suspect Osama bin Laden to leave Afghanistan promptly.

It had to be delivered by hand to Bin Laden, and a Taliban spokesman last night said the messenger had some difficulty in finding the hideout of the Saudi guerrilla leader.

"It's not like we can pick up the phone and talk to Osama, or fax a message to him. He has no such facilities," said the Taliban's information minister Qudrutullah Jamal. He said the message had now got through, but so far there was no reply.

"I have no reason to believe Osama has left Afghanistan. He is still here," said Jamal.

Bin Laden has tried to leave Afghanistan several times in recent months, according to refugees, but he found difficulty in finding a country to take him. He could try to get to Sudan or Somalia - both countries are high on America's list of sponsors who have provided bases for Bin Laden's Al Qaeda group.

Last night there was doubt in official circles in London and Washington that the Taliban's move to expel him would be enough to save them from attack.

The Taliban is still regarded as a prime sponsor of international terror. However, officials in Washington and London are now suggesting that a military strike against the Taliban could be weeks, and even months away.

Sources at the Ministry of Defence described the present situation as "highly fluid". Yesterday Ministry of Defence sources said Britain's Exercise Saif Sareea would continue in Oman as planned - suggesting that London had not been warned of any impending air attack on Afghanistan by American forces.

If an air attack was mounted at short notice, Britain would play a part, according to the Whitehall sources.

-- Anonymous, September 28, 2001