The opposition to the Taleban is based in the north of Afghanistan and is known as the Northern Alliance. It has publicly stated its opposition to terrorist actions and called on the Taleban to hand over Osama bin Laden to the United Nations. It says everything must be done to save Afghanistan from possible attacks by the United States. U-S officials have said Mr. bin Ladan is the prime suspect in last week's attacks in the U-S.
The Northern Alliance has a fighting force that controls about 10 percent of Afghanistan. It says it has not been approached by the United States regarding any military action.
The military attache of the Afghan government in exile, Saleh Mohammed Registan, says that the Northern Alliance would be prepared to discuss military action against the Taleban with Washington.
Speaking in Tajikistan, across the border from Afghanistan, Mr. Registan also says that the Northern Alliance would be prepared to launch military action on behalf of the United States.
The Northern Alliance this week buried its leader, Ahmed Shah Massood. He was assassinated by two suicide bombers posing as journalists, two days before the attacks in New York and Washington.
The Northern Alliance accuses Osama bin Laden of being responsible for the assassination of its leader, saying Mr. bin Laden neutralized opposition within Afghanistan before carrying out attacks in the United States. (Signed)