NAPSNET Week in Review 28 September, 2001

DPRK

1. DPRK and Anti-Terrorism

US officials confirmed that the US may ask the DPRK to provide intelligence on terror groups in its probe into the recent attacks in the US. ROK officials said that the DPRK contacted the US immediately after the attacks, andthat the DPRK’s private communication was more strongly worded than its official announcement.

“DPRK Aid in US Probe” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 27, US) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP27.html#item1 “DPRK on Terrorism” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 24, US) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP24.html#item3

The DPRK’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) news agency said that countries may be right to contribute to efforts to thwart international terrorism, but did not say where the DPRK stood. It also criticized Japan’s plans to change the status of its defense forces to allow them to help the US. Denis MacShane, Britain’s parliamentary undersecretary of state for foreign affairs, urged the DPRK on Tuesday to open up to the outside world by joining the global battle against terrorism.

“DPRK Support of US Anti-Terrorism Campaign” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 25, US) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP25.html#item1 “Britain on DPRK and Terrorism” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 25, US) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP25.html#item2

2. DPRK on Japanese Role in US Retaliation

The DPRK said on September 24 that it “may be the right option” for countries to participate in an international campaign against terrorism, but expressed its opposition to Japan participating in any such effort. The DPRK accused Japan of using the terror attacks on New York and Washington to redefine the role of its self-defense forces, in defiance of the pacifist constitution.

“DPRK on Japanese Role in US Retaliation” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 27, PRC) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP27.html#item8 “PRC, DPRK, ROK Reactions to Japanese Deployments” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 26, Japan) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP26.html#item11

3. Inter-Korean Relations

The DPRK and the ROK agreed on September 24 to exchange the list of 200 families from each side on Wednesday 26 for the fourth family reunion slated October 16-18. Many experts believe that this was a hopeful sign, but progress toward reconciliation in the Korean peninsula faces new, serious roadblocks ahead. With the US Bush administration already suspicious of DPRK intentions, many experts believe that talks between the two Koreas as well as negotiations between the US and the DPRK over missiles and other issues may be in a holding pattern for several years.

“Inter-Korean Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 24, US) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP24.html#item1 “Reunion of Separated Families” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 26, ROK) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP25.html#item6 “Inter-Korean Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 27, PRC) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP27.html#item7

The ROK Defense Ministry said Friday that ROK security guards fired warning shots twice this week to repel DPRK soldiers who accidentally crossed the border. There were no casualties in the incidents.

“Shots Fired in DMZ” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 28, US) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP28.html#item1

4. DPRK on ROK-US Alliance

The DPRK’s Radio Pyongyang broadcast on September 22 that the ROK alliance with the US is an anti-national and anti-unification act. The station insisted that ROK military officials and conservatives have taken sides with the US and persecute unification activists and patriots in the name of national security.

“DPRK on ROK Support of US Retaliation” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 24, ROK) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP24.html#item10

5. KEDO-DPRK Talks

Radio Pyongyang reported Tuesday of the arrival of a delegation from the Korea Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO) to the DPRK. KEDO and the DPRK holds a high-level conference 2-3 times a year on a regular basis to discuss the timelines of the construction schedules of the light water reactors.

“KEDO-DPRK Talks” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 26, ROK) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP26.html#item5

6. DPRK Missile Issues

The DPRK’s Rodong Sinmun newspaper said that the country’s missile development program was defensive in nature and that missile production would not be necessary if it was not threatened by outside powers. The DPRK denied a US Central Intelligence Agency report that it continued to export missile equipment and technology to countries in the Middle East, South Asia and North Africa last year.

“DPRK on Missile Use” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 24, ROK) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP24.html#item9 “DPRK Missile Sales” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 24, US) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP24.html#item2

7. IAEA Inspections in DPRK

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) during its annual general conference last week called on the DPRK to cooperate with plans for an international inspection of its nuclear activities. Evans J.R. Revere, the acting US ambassador to the ROK, said that the US would put a key priority on the DPRK’s full cooperation with the IAEA.

“IAEA on DPRK” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 24, ROK) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP24.html#item8 “US-DPRK Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 24, ROK) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP24.html#item11

8. DPRK Defections

The ROK National Intelligence Service (NIS) said Thursday that eighteen DPRK defectors arrived in the ROK recently. This brings the number of DPRK defectors who have settled in the ROK so far this year to 378. A source estimated that the PRC expels an average of 3,000-4,000 DPRK defectors per year.

“DPRK Defectors in ROK” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 28, US) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP28.html#item6 “DPRK Defectors in PRC” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 24, ROK) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP24.html#item12

9. DPRK-PRC Talks

Kim Il-chol, minister of the People’s Armed Forces in the DPRK, met with a delegation from the PRC People’s Liberation Army headed by General Wu Yuquian, deputy commander of the Shenyang military command. Over the last week, the two countries have exchange four delegations from the DPRK and five from the PRC.

“DPRK-PRC Talks” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 26, ROK) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP26.html#item6 “DPRK-PRC Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 25, ROK) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP25.html#item8

10. DPRK-Japanese Relations

The DPRK’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) criticized Japan on Friday for what it called a bid to develop nuclear missiles by stealth and warned Japan that the DPRK would be “merciless to those who infringe upon its dignity and sovereignty.”

“DPRK on Japan’s Rocket Launch” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 28, US) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP28.html#item2

Japanese lawmakers from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party who took part in a mission to the DPRK said on September 22 that there are no concerns over the distribution and management of rice donated to Pyongyang by Japan.

“Japanese Aid to DPRK” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 26, ROK) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP26.html#item7

11. DPRK Foreign Economic Relations

Dennis MacShane, Britain’s Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, said on September 26 that a British trade mission consisting of 10 companies will visit the DPRK from October 16-20. The Singapore Confederation of Industry (SCI) disclosed its intention to visit the DPRK from early next month in order to examine the investment condition of the nation. The DPRK has been dispatching its computer experts to a software company in Japan to jointly develop a computer program since last year.

“UK-DPRK Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 27, ROK) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP27.html#item6 “UK-DPRK Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 28, US) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP28.html#item8 “DPRK-Singapore Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 27, ROK) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP27.html#item5 “DPRK-Japan Business Exchange” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 25, ROK) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP25.html#item9

ROK

1. Inter-Korean Talks

An ROK Unification Ministry spokesman said that the ROK proposed that its officials meet the DPRK regarding the Mount Kumgang tourism project from October 3-5. The delegation to head the inter-Korean talks is likely to consist of three members with representatives from the Unification Ministry, Construction and Transportation Ministry and Culture and Tourism Ministry.

“ROK Proposes Talks with DPRK” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 27, ROK) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP27.html#item4 “ROK Prepares for Inter-Korean Talks” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 25, ROK) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP25.html#item7

2. ROK Aid in US Retaliation

The ROK said on Monday that it would send medical teams to help any US-led anti-terrorism force but was not considering contributing combat troops for now. The ROK would contribute medical teams, aircraft, ships and liaison officers and pool intelligence. Except for financial aspects, the size of the support is expected to be similar to that the government extended during the Gulf War, when it sent medical staff and provided transport.

“ROK Aid in US Retaliation” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 24, US) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP24.html#item4

3. ROK Early Air Warning Project

ROK defense officials said that the government will launch a new project to develop the Air Force’s early aerial warning system, estimated to cost about US$1.46 billion, next year.

“ROK Early Air Warning Project” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 26, ROK) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP26.html#item9

4. ROK-Japan Maritime Accident

Isao Satomura, a Japan Fisheries Agency spokesman, said that a Japanese patrol boat ran into and sank an ROK trawler that was fleeing after being caught fishing in Japanese waters on September 26.

“ROK-Japan Maritime Accident” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 27, US) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP27.html#item2

5. ROK Group to Visit DPRK

Eleven representatives of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions will visit Pyongyang at the invitation of the DPRK’s General Federation of Korean Trade Unions from next September 24- 27. The ROK side also plans to seek a change to the DPRK group’s position on the nature of future reunification.

“ROK Group to Visit DPRK” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 24, ROK) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP24.html#item13

People’s Republic of China

1. PRC Missile Tests

US intelligence officials said that the PRC conducted the first flight test of the SSN-22 Sunburn missile from its new Russian-Sovremenny-class destroyer. Richard Fisher, a specialist on the PRC military, said that the PRC missile ships are now operational, and “there is an expectation that China will be purchasing a more advanced version of this ship.”

“PRC Missile Tests” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 26, US) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP26.html#item2

2. Alleged Terrorist Threats to PRC

A unit of the PRC People’s Armed Police was moved last week to Kashgar and is practicing anti-guerrilla warfare near the Afghan border in expectation of attacks by Islamic extremists inside the PRC. The PRC’s official Xinhua news agency reported that Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf might visit Beijing to discuss the aftermath of the attacks on New York and Washington.

“PRC Military Training” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 26, US) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP26.html#item3 “Alleged Terrorist Threats to PRC” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #38) http://www.nautilus.org/sand/Updates2001/V2N38.html#item2

3. PRC and US Retaliations

PRC permanent representative to the UN Wang Yingfan said that the UN should play an important role in the global efforts to prevent and combat all forms of terrorism activities. PRC Premier Zhu Rongji said that anti-terrorism is a long-term and complicated task and a common challenge to the international community, and that the PRC will strengthen cooperation with all countries in the world. PRC President Jiang Zemin and Egyptian President Muhammed Hosni Mubarak exchanged views on combating terrorism and the Middle East peace process. Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan said that PRC counter-terrorism experts would meet US officials on September 23 to share intelligence that might help the US war on terrorism.

“PRC View on Anti-Terrorism” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 27, PRC) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP27.html#item10 “PRC Aid in US Retaliation” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 24, US) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP24.html#item5 “PRC Support of Anti-Terrorism Campaign” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 25, US) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP25.html#item3

The PRC is concerned whether a US military presence in Pakistan and Central Asia will undercut its role in the region. Several of the PRC’s strategically important neighbors may now move toward closer alliances with the US.

“US Retaliation Effects on PRC” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 24, US) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP24.html#item6

4. PRC Relation to Taliban

According to US intelligence officials, two PRC state-run telecommunications companies, Zhongxing Telecom and Huawei Technologies, are helping the Taliban militia install a telephone system in Kabul. However, PRC Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao said the PRC “does not have any kind of formal relations with the Taliban.”

“Alleged PRC Links with Taliban” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #38) http://www.nautilus.org/sand/Updates2001/V2N38.html#item1 “PRC Relation to Taliban” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 28, US) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP28.html#item3

5. Sino-US Relations

Momentum for the improvement of ties between the PRC and the US continued on September 21 as the two countries agreed to enhance their consultations and cooperation in the fight against terrorism, in the quest for human rights and AIDS prevention, and to schedule talks on foreign policy on the vice-foreign minister level.

“PRC-US Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 27, PRC) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP27.html#item13

6. PRC on Japanese Role in US Retaliation

In response to news reports that Japan is considering military assistance for the US proposed military strike against Afghanistan, PRC Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhu Bangzao said on September 25 that Japan should move cautiously on the subject.

“PRC on Japanese Role in US Retaliation” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 27, PRC) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP27.html#item9 “PRC, DPRK, ROK Reactions to Japanese Deployments” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 26, Japan) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP26.html#item11

7. Cross-strait Relations

Zhang Mingqing, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office under the State Council, reiterated the unequivocal PRC position that the reunification of Taiwan could not be postponed indefinitely. The PRC cheered the expulsion former Taiwanese president Lee Teng-hui from the Nationalist Party. He was expelled after clashing with its new leaders, who have appeared more amenable to the PRC.

“Cross-strait Relations” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 27, PRC) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP27.html#item14 “Party Expulsion of Ex-Taiwan President”(NAPSNet Daily Report, September 25, US) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP25.html#item4

Japan

1. Japanese Participation in US Retaliation

Japan is preparing for its most expansive military role since World War II and has turned its attention from India to court Pakistan. Some experts said Japan’s cooperation with the US “war on terrorism” is a great opportunity, while others warned that the expansion of the Self-Defense Forces would erode the whole significance and reason of Japan’s constitutional prohibitions on use of military force.

“Japanese Role in US Retaliation” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 28, US) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP28.html#item5

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi pledged on Thursday to back the US “war on terrorism” and promised swift enactment of a new law that would allow Japan to provide logistical support for any US military action. Dozens of Japanese activists protested the government’s plans.

“Japanese Participation in US Retaliation” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 27, US) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP27.html#item3

2. US Forces and MSDF

Japanese destroyers and minesweepers escorted the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk from Yokosuka Naval Base on Friday, sparking complaints that the Maritime Self Defense Forces has overstepped the boundaries of the Constitution. A meeting of the ruling coalition parties led to agreement on the basic outline of a bill to allow the SDF to support the US military within the bounds of the law designed to deal with military emergencies in areas surrounding Japan.

“US Forces and MSDF” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 25, Japan) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP25.html#item10 “SDF’s Logistic Support for US” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 25, Japan) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP25.html#item11 “SDF’s use of weapons” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 25, Japan) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP25.html#item12

Regional Issues

1. Bush’s Asia Tour

US White House spokesman Ari Fleischer announced on September 25 that US President George W. Bush will attend the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Shanghai on October 20 and 21 but has postponed planned stops in Japan, the ROK, and the PRC. However, diplomatic sources in the US said Bush would hold a summit meeting with ROK President Kim Dae-jung in Shanghai instead.

“Bush’s Asia Tour ” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 26, US) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP26.html#item1 “Bush’s Visit to ROK Canceled” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 26, PRC) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP26.html#item10 “Bush’s Asia Tour” (NAPSNet Daily Report, September 27, PRC) http://www.nautilus.org/napsnet/dr/0109/SEP27.html#item12

Nuclear Issues

1. Pakistan Nuclear Policy

I. Hassan writes that although the Pakistani people have been led to believe that the possession of a nuclear bomb lends them complete security, “in fact it means that they have acquired the surest means to suicide.”

“Pakistan Nuclear Policy” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #38) http://www.nautilus.org/sand/Updates2001/V2N38.html#item4

2. Nuclear Deterrence

An editorial argues that the attacks in the US have “forever shattered the myth of nuclear deterrence. There can be no deterrence against men possessed of a suicidal rage.” The author warned against assuming that India can advance its security by acquiring the US as an ally.

“Nuclear Deterrence” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #38) http://www.nautilus.org/sand/Updates2001/V2N38.html#item5

India

1. Indian Cooperation with US

While India has offered “unconditional support” for the US fight against terrorism, the US would require India’s help in creating an atmosphere against Islamic terrorism because India has the largest population of Muslims in the world after Indonesia. Retired Brigadier General D Sharma argues that there is a “discernible” similarity between the attacks on the US and what has been happening in India.

“Indian Cooperation with US” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #38) http://www.nautilus.org/sand/Updates2001/V2N38.html#item6

2. Indian Anti-Militant Drive

DH News Service reported that security forces in Srinagar are gearing up for an extraordinary offensive against militants across the state, likely to begin immediately after the US launches its strikes against Afghanistan.

“Indian Anti-Militant Drive” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #38) http://www.nautilus.org/sand/Updates2001/V2N38.html#item7

3. Indian View of Pakistani Role in US Terrorism Fight

Union Home Minister L K Advani said that any US strategy to combat terrorism should take into account Pakistan’s active encouragement of terrorism along with Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban. Indian officials say that some of the militant groups fighting Indian rule in Kashmir are liaising with the Taliban leaders and, possibly, with Osama bin Laden. Officials worried about possible spillover effects.

“Indian View of Pakistani Role in US Terrorism Fight” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #38) http://www.nautilus.org/sand/Updates2001/V2N38.html#item8

4. Indian Victims of WTC Bombing

More than 250 Indians are among those feared killed, injured or missing following the attacks on the World Trade Center.

“Indian Victims of WTC Bombing” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #38) http://www.nautilus.org/sand/Updates2001/V2N38.html#item9

5. Regional Effects of US Attack

L.K. Sharma writes that the new US focus on the region will have some impact on India’s relations with the US. P. V. Indiresan writes that on the one hand, most Islamic fundamentalists are likely to become more enthusiastic about terrorism in the wake of the US attacks. On the other, Islamic rulers, even those who have been patronizing terrorism, are likely to hold back. External Affairs and Defence Minister Jaswant Singh warned that linking terrorism to Islam will divide the world community against terrorism.

“Regional Effects of US Attack” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #38) http://www.nautilus.org/sand/Updates2001/V2N38.html#item10

Pakistan

1. Pakistan Nuclear Arsenal

The Los Angeles Times reports that US officials are concerned that launching a military campaign in Afghanistan could lead some dissidents in Pakistan to seize control of the country’s nuclear weapons, or bring to power a fundamentalist government, hostile to the US, that might pass on nuclear know-how to Osama bin Laden or other U.S. enemies.

“Pakistan Nuclear Arsenal” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #38) http://www.nautilus.org/sand/Updates2001/V2N38.html#item11

2. Pakistan Cooperation with US

US President George Bush said that the US would give Pakistan a chance to prove what it means by its assurance of support for the counter-terrorism operation. Former Pakistan army chief General Mirza Aslam Beg said that Pakistan cannot afford to allow the United States to use its facilities for attacks and warned that if the government took such a decision, the nation would reject it and rise against it. The Defence of Afghanistan Council termed the attacks on the US as a Jewish conspiracy and warned that they would wage Jehad not only against the US but also against the Pakistan government if it allowed the US to use it for launching any attack against the Taliban or Osama Bin Laden. Security experts feel that Pakistan is looking to hand over Osama Bin Laden either dead or alive to the US to prevent military action. L.K. Sharma writes that Pakistan’s acceptance of US demands for cooperation may have greater impact on its polity, society and national ethos than any previous event.

“Pakistan Cooperation with US” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #38) http://www.nautilus.org/sand/Updates2001/V2N38.html#item12

3. Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations

Pakistan’s army has deployed along the Afghan border and said that Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers had massed up to 25,000 fighters armed with Scud missiles just across from the Khyber Pass. M.P. Bhandara writes that Pakistan’s “more or less permanent hostility” towards India has to be premised on the assumption that its western border will remain quiet.

“Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #38) http://www.nautilus.org/sand/Updates2001/V2N38.html#item13

4. Pakistan-Indian Relations

Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf claimed that India offered its bases to the US because it “wants the US to be with them and get Pakistan declared a terrorist state, harm its strategic concerns and its Kashmir cause.”

“Pakistan-Indian Relations” http://www.nautilus.org/sand/Updates2001/V2N38.html#item14

5. Pakistani Views of US Response

An opinion article in Dawn argues that the military reaction of the US to the attacks will help determine the future of terrorism. Tahir Mirza warns that the attacks on the US may transform the open nature of US society. Shafqat Mahmood, a former Pakistani Senator and federal and provincial minister, argued that the US comparisons of the attacks on New York and Washington to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor are ominous because “Pearl Harbour created a hatred that was unprecedented.”

“Pakistani Views of US Response” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #38) http://www.nautilus.org/sand/Updates2001/V2N38.html#item15

Afghanistan

1. Taliban Reaction to US Military Action

The Taliban’s chief spokesman Mulla Abdul Hye Mutmaen told Dawn that the people of Afghanistan would stand with the Taliban against a US military strike.

“Taliban Reaction to US Military Action” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #38) http://www.nautilus.org/sand/Updates2001/V2N38.html#item16

2. Afghani Opposition Reactions

Mehmud Khan Achakzai, the Pushtun nationalist leader, said that the Taliban and “their usual mentors and collaborators” do not realize that “the time has come where nothing but saying and admitting the whole truth can save, not only Afghanistan but whole of this region from unimaginable catastrophe.” Abdullah Abdullah, a senior figure in the opposition Northern Alliance, said that Afghan guerrillas fighting the ruling Taliban movement would support any US Strike against camps run by Osama bin Laden

“Afghani Opposition Reactions” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #38) http://www.nautilus.org/sand/Updates2001/V2N38.html#item17

3. Taliban Threats to Pakistan

Taliban Ambassador to Pakistan Mullah Zaeef warned, “We will attack any country that permits attacks against us.” The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has decided to install a radar system at the strategic hilltop of Laram Valley in the Lower Dir district, while the Taliban administration of Kunar province sealed the Pakistan-Afghan border at two points along the Bajaur Agency for vehicular traffic.

“Taliban Threats to Pakistan” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #38) http://www.nautilus.org/sand/Updates2001/V2N38.html#item18

Kashmir

1. Alleged Pakistani Support for TerrorismDr. Farooq Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, said that Pakistan should be taught a lesson to keep it from abetting terrorism.
“Alleged Pakistani Support for Terrorism” (SANDNet Weekly Update, Vol. 2 #38)

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