Northern Alliance gets new leaders

By Atul Aneja

MOSCOW, SEPT. 25. Asserting itself as a leading player in the fight against terrorism from Afghanistan's northern frontline, Russia is about to openly arm a new team of commanders in the anti- Taliban, Northern Alliance forces.

After the assassination of its top-most military commander, Ahmad Shah Massood, a new team of leaders has taken over the command of the multi-ethnic Northern Alliance. The principle ethnic groups which the alliance represents include Tajiks, Uzbeks, Shias and Hazaras.

The most formidable among the new players is Gen. Fahim, who was head of intelligence under Massood. Among others, Mr. Mehmood Registani will continue to function as the chief logistics officer. In fact, his role is likely to be pronounced as Russia, and possibly Iran, step up weapons supplies to the alliance. Russia, Iran and India have been some of the principle supporters of the Northern Alliance, especially after the Pakistan-backed Taliban overran Kabul in September 1996. Mr. Registani was reportedly in Moscow on the day the attempt on Massood's life was made.

Contrary to reports, Gen. Rashid Dostum is unlikely to be the sole representative of the Uzbek faction. On the other hand, Mr. Malik Pahalwan, has recently emerged as a formidable Uzbek leader.

Gen. Dostum's leadership credentials in the alliance have been questioned ever since he retreated to Turkey from the northern Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif two years ago, in the wake of a Taliban offensive. In fact, Afghan watchers here say that Gen. Dostum, earlier a favourite of the Russians, but now mainly supported by Uzbekistan had retreated so hastily that he left behind considerable stocks of Scud missiles in northern

Afghanistan. Intelligence reports suggest that these missiles are now in the hands of the Taliban.

Masood's second brother, Mr. Ahmad Wali Masood, now residing in London, has also emerged as a heavy-weight in the alliance. The faction of ethnic Hazaras in the alliance continues to be led by Mr. Karim Khalili, while Mr. Sayaf will represent his faction in the grouping. Both leaders are influential in Hazarajat region of Afghanistan.

Among the external players, Iran enjoys the maximum influence on the Hazaras who reside in the region. Other leading players include Gen. Ismail Khan. Backed by the Iranians, his influence in the area around the heart of Afghanistan is pronounced. The Northern Alliance Foreign Minister, Mr. AbdulSaleh Abdullah, will continue to retain a high-profile presence before international media. Authoritative sources here do not anticipate a post-Masood power struggle within the alliance which will be led by its President, Mr. Burhanuddin Rabbani.

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Section  : International
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