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CNN Live Sunday

America's New War: Life Inside the Taliban

Aired September 30, 2001 - 17:13   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.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Bush administration officials say they do not believe the Taliban leaders when they speak about the whereabouts of Osama bin Laden.

Joining us now with a glimpse of what it's like inside the Taliban is Omar Samad. He is the director of Afghanistan information centers here in the U.S. also producer of the Saudi-Afghan radio. Good evening. Thanks for being with us here.

OMAR SAMAD, PRODUCER, SAUDI-AFGHAN RADIO: Thank you, Daryn.

KAGAN: What do you think of these claims that are being made by the Taliban that not only do they know where Osama bin Laden is that he is within Afghanistan but that they are protecting him as well?

SAMAD: Well, I don't see this as actually being very surprising because you've heard . . .

KAGAN: So you believe them, first of all?

SAMAD: I think that bin Laden is in Afghanistan. He really doesn't have anywhere else to go. That is still the safest place for him. As far as the contradictions that we've heard from the Taliban over the past -- not only the past few weeks but actually over the past couple of years -- ever since the embassy tragedies in east Africa and the co-bombing.

The Taliban have always sort of given the illusion that bin Laden is under their control, that they -- he has no way of communicating to the outside world. I that this shows that on one hand the Taliban are playing some kind of a game . . .

(AUDIO GAP)

. . . we keep hearing from sources inside of Afghanistan that the Taliban have problems keeping their recruits. There's a lot of defection among them. Today two large groups of Taliban -- one about 300 to 400 men another with 200 to 300 men defected -- one in the northwestern province of Bakis (ph) and the other one in the eastern province of Lakman (ph).

And this shows that there is an unraveling of the Taliban governmental structure within Afghanistan. KAGAN: Which perhaps the U.S. might be able to take advantage of. Our time is short so I also want to use your expertise to look ahead. The other news over the weekend -- the Bush administration coming out saying they would support the overthrow of the Taliban but not saying who or who would take over Afghanistan. Of course, there are different groups talking but there's not one set group of people that are set and ready to take power in Afghanistan. What are you hearing especially from Rome where the former king is stationed?

SAMAD: Well, you're right -- there is not one set of people who would be taking over in Afghanistan. The most prominent on the ground is the so-called Northern Alliance or United Front Resistance.

KAGAN: But they have what -- five or 10 percent of the country.

SAMAD: They have about 10 to 15 percent scattered around but they're making some advances here and there. And they have high morale. But what is happening in Rome is significant because I think that even the Northern Alliance is looking at the former king as a rallying point. All Afghans from all ethnic groups and backgrounds and walks of life could gather around this figure head who could help in the build up for a transition . . .

KAGAN: Even though this is an 86 year old man . . .

SAMAD: Yes.

KAGAN: . . . who has been out of Afghanistan for a decade?

SAMAD: Yes. But he is surrounded by men who are capable. He himself I think is still healthy and looks good as you saw on TV. And he can play a vital role as long as they come to a acceptable agreement with all sides including some Pashtuns in the southern part of Afghanistan who are dissatisfied with the Taliban.

KAGAN: And the talks will go on. Omar Samad -- thank you for your insight . . .

SAMAD: Thank you, Daryn.

KAGAN: . . . and your information. We really appreciate it.

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