On the Afghan dilemma

News of intensified U.S. bombing north of the Afghanistan capital of Kabul poses the question: What if Kabul falls to the Northern Alliance's anti-Taliban forces?

Since the U.S. attacks began Oct. 7, neither the alliance nor America has acknowledged any pact.

The alliance doesn't claim U.S. allegiance because it doesn't want to be seen as being propped up by an outside force; America hasn't because in some respects the alliance is as questionable as the Taliban.

Some have wondered if the alliance takes Kabul if there would be any difference for the people of Afghanistan.

But it is possible that in addition to removing terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden, a better situation for the people of Afghanistan will result.

-- The Clarion-Ledger, Jackson, Mississippi