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DATE=7/20/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S / AFGHANISTAN (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-264628
BYLINE=DAVID SWAN
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT: 
INTRO:  The Clinton administration predicts the ruling 
Taleban of Afghanistan will not achieve their 
objective of taking complete control of the country.  
But a senior U-S official says the group is still 
supporting terrorism and turning a mostly deaf ear to 
Washington.  V-O-A's David Swan reports.
TEXT:  At a Senate hearing (Thursday), Assistant 
Secretary of State Karl Inderfurth portrayed the 
Taleban as a government in decline.  He says many 
Afghans appear tired of the regime - which has imposed 
tough Islamic laws, especially on women, but has not 
ended the nation's civil war.
Citing recruiting problems and two recent failed 
offensives north of Kabul, Mr. Inderfurth suggests the 
Taleban can not win a military victory.
            // INDERFURTH ACT //
      We believe the Taleban now have little prospect 
      of completing their goal of gaining control of 
      the 15-percent of the country now held by the 
      opposition.  In short, Mr. Chairman, we believe 
      the Taleban have reached their high-water mark.
            // END ACT //
But whatever their problems, the Taleban still reject 
U-S demands.  They have refused constant calls to turn 
over accused terrorist Osama Bin Laden, who is hiding 
in Afghanistan, and according to American officials, 
is believed to be planning new attacks.  Mr. 
Inderfurth says the Taleban seem determined to ignore 
the message.
            // INDERFURTH ACT //
      If anything the Taleban have moved even further 
      in the wrong direction.  On terrorism, not only 
      have they refused to hand over Bin Laden, as 
      called for by the U-N Security Council, but they 
      have aided and abetted other terrorists 
      worldwide, including violent groups in Chechnya 
      and Central Asia.
            // END ACT //
Mr. Inderfurth says the administration may be willing 
to provide food and humanitarian help to the 
opposition Northern Alliance.  He adds there would be 
no military aid and the United States will not 
recognize or endorse the Alliance as a legitimate 
government.   (SIGNED) 
NEB/DS/RAE
20-Jul-2000 13:16 PM EDT (20-Jul-2000 1716 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.