Time marches on in the United States's military assault on Afghanistan, as its objectives come under closer scrutiny. Yesterday's use of low-flying turboprop gunships against targets in Kandahar herald the use of special forces inside Afghan territory. The US Secretary of State, Mr Colin Powell, assured Pakistani leaders their interests will be taken into account in any post-Taliban government. Panic reaction to the finding of more Anthrax spread from the United States to several other countries. There is only a short time available for decisive breakthroughs to be made before winter sets in and for humanitarian supplies to be transported to millions of displaced and hungry people. Civilian casualties increase by the day.
Mr Powell has a tricky task indeed in Islamabad and New Delhi as he seeks to reassure Pakistan and India that their interests will be respected by the US-led coalition. His trip underlines the impression that a great effort is being made to construct a post-Taliban government in Afghanistan which would hold together its extremely diverse ethnic, regional and political components. This has involved the United Nations and would seek to ensure that if the regime collapses a viable alternative government will be available to fill the vacuum. Assembling that alternative has affected the military strategy. The use of gunships yesterday could signal a bombing campaign against the Taliban frontline facing the Northern Alliance troops north of Kabul.
That would be a coherent strategy. Rather than pitching thousands of US combat troops into an uncertain and unknown terrain, it would rely on internal Afghan forces to topple the Taliban regime. Under the umbrella of a successor regime it would be much easier to pursue those accused of the atrocities in New York and Washington and to provide effective humanitarian aid the millions of people. All would depend, of course, on holding such a successor together; given the rooted hostility between the Northern Alliance forces and Pakistan that would be difficult indeed. It is also clear that such an outcome should happen within the next few weeks if potential military and humanitarian catastrophes are to be avoided.
The dangers of escalating conflict elsewhere was vividly underlined by the latest clashes between Pakistan and India over Kashmir. Until the last few weeks Pakistan's military regime was quite out of favour with Washington because of its nuclear confrontation with India. India's shelling of Pakistani targets during Mr Powell's visit shows how volatile feelings have become between the two states. Their cooperation is essential if the Kashmir dispute is to be resolved. The proliferation of Anthrax infections and scares mirrors that volatility in the United States.