Cracks in the coalition?

Discontent at the West's war against the Taleban

Can the alliance survive the growing tensions in the countries which are Afghanistan's neighbours?

The residents of Kabul have today been able to see their enemy: US planes carried out daylight raids on the Afghan capital. But what will the Americans do with their easily-won air superiority?

There is still no indication when, if ever, ground troops might be introduced into the conflict; no clear picture of what would follow any collapse of the Taleban government; and certainly no sign of Osama Bin Laden.

Colin Powell, on diplomatic duty

For many of the nations in the coalition the resulting uncertainty presents a real problem: they have been able to stem public dissent against the bombing, but sooner or later they will need to proclaim a result of some kind.

Nowhere is the problem more acute than in Pakistan, where the US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, has been on diplomatic duty.

After the meeting with General Musharraf, the two men held a joint press conference agreeing that any future Afghan government should include the opposition as well as moderate elements of the ruling Taleban.

A majority of the people are against the operation

General Musharraf

Elsewhere rumours are rife of secret negotiations with the Taleban, their former allies, for a pause in the bombing. Today's New York Times gives weight to the rumours, with a report apparently confirming a visit to Pakistan by the Taleban Foreign Minister. But the President's spokesman, General Kureishi, tells the programme that such a visit never took place.

Also Jim Woolsey, former director of the CIA, reveals in an exclusive interview that it is "highly likely" that a foreign state is involved in the anthrax attacks - possibly Iraq.

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