[hegemony]

That's what I remember about the NA. And then a deal was struck between the Taliban and Usama- if Usama wanted protection from the terrorist attack he'd have to hand the Taliban Massoud's head first.

It all made me remember staying up night after night after 9-11 until the wee hours while the Taliban did those idiotic press conferences.

[warsaw44]

That has always been a big ' what if ' for me in regard to recent events. I think Massoud and his attitude of good will towards America would have had a strong impact throughout the Middle East. He really was loved, respected and deeply feared by his enemies. I ahve no doubt he would be in charge of Afghanistan had he lived. I think the actual terrorists / journalists were at massouds camp for a number of days before they were allowed to see him.