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Top defector blames bin Laden©Associated PressNovember 25, 2001 KABUL, Afghanistan -- The most senior Taliban member to defect blamed Osama bin Laden and Taliban hardliners Saturday for transforming Afghanistan into a terrorist haven and bringing on a disastrous war with the United States. Mullah Mohammed Khaqzar, the former Taliban deputy interior minister who defected Saturday, said he warned Taliban supreme leader Mullah Mohammed Omar that he should tell "the terrorists" to leave or that they would destroy the country. But Omar fell under the influence of bin Laden, who forged close ties to aliban Defense Minister Obeidullah Khan and Justice Minister Mullah Nooruddin Turabi, Khaqzar said. Turabi was the author of many of the most controversial Taliban decrees, such as those depriving women of education and work, and banning entertainment such as music, television and movies. "As long as the international terrorists are in our country, there will be no peace," Khaqzar said. Khaqzar, a former Taliban intelligence chief, suspects bin Laden and Omar are in communication, despite recent Taliban claims that they do not know the Saudi exile's whereabouts. Khaqzar is from the Taliban's spiritual homeland of Kandahar and was once a friend of Omar's and part of the movement's inner circle. He said he abandoned the movement because he wanted peace in his homeland. "I have fought for 23 years. I know that we have to have peace. I want to work with all the parties and groups to bring peace," he said.
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From the AP |
