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CNN Live Event/Special
Target: Terrorism - Afghanistan May Unite or Divide Over War and Rulership
Aired October 04, 2001 - 05:25 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: If you are just joining us, moments ago before the break, we were talking with a reporter who is working for us in eastern Afghanistan -- Kamal Hyder. And he's giving us some insight on what's happening there on the ground -- lots of reports coming out about the Taliban preparing for an imminent attack.
We're going to go back to Kamal, because we had to take a break. But, Kamal, before we got interrupted, you were just about to talk about some of these reports that we've been hearing about defections or the fear of defections among the Taliban troops.
There have been so many rumors and stories about that. Have you seen any evidence of anything like that?
KAMAL HYDER, JOURNALIST: Leon, I haven't seen any evidence. I do know -- I mean, people will tell you privately that they are questioning the wisdom of the government with taking a decision that they will stand against the international community. But overall, I have seen no signs of people deserting. They seem to be in full strength.
On the contrary, they seem to be getting a lot of support from the tribal elders here and a lot of people who are now bringing out their weapons and saying that they will stand by their government, good or bad, if Afghanistan comes under foreign attack.
Historically, Afghans have always united. Afghanistan has been a country of tribal chieftains and feuds, and in times of foreign attack, these tribal chieftains combine together and use their efforts to withstand a foreign enemy.
So here we have basically volunteers, who are saying that they're going to fight their jihad against a force that wants to impose its will on Afghanistan -- Leon.
HARRIS: Well, Kamal, can you give us an idea of the kind of troops you're seeing? Because we've also heard reports this morning that in this flow of refugees that have been leaving Afghanistan, we have heard that Taliban troops have been actually taking boys who have been in those refugee crowds -- taking them away from their families and forcing them to enlist and join with the Taliban troops.
Do you know that to be true? Have you seen that? HYDER: Well, we have no evidence to suggest that at all, because the Taliban, at this time, are also fighting a battle to win the hearts and minds of the Afghan population. I was told from a contact in southern Afghanistan that they were able to film the demonstration in Afghanistan in front of the Vice and Virtue Ministry, which would be unheard of during the days of the Taliban, the peak of power.
But you must understand here that the Taliban are also equally insistent in winning the hearts and minds of their local population. Any such attempt to force people into military conscription is going to be basically something that will backfire in their own face -- Leon.
HARRIS: Well, Kamal -- one final question, Kamal: In that battle for the hearts and minds of the people there, can you give us any word on right now who is actually winning that battle? Is the Taliban winning that?
HYDER: The sad part is that neither side can claim to have full victory on that so far. I think there is a silent majority in Afghanistan, which is just watching to see what evolves out of this dangerous situation and this tense calm when it's broken. In the end, we have one population will make that key choice as to which way they stand.
But at this moment in time, the most dangerous element that is emerging here is that there is division on the question of the king. Some people throwing their support behind the government in power; others for the king. And this means that ruler of Afghanistan is now pitted against each other, something unprecedented in Afghan history when faced with the threat -- inevitable threat of foreign attack. That itself means that Afghanistan could be destabilized for the next few months or years, unless the Taliban are neutralized completely and decisively -- Leon.
HARRIS: Kamal Hyder, reporting to us on the phone from eastern Afghanistan -- we thank you very much. And as I understand it, Kamal is going to be joining us again next hour with some more insights from there on the front lines -- thank you, Kamal.
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