But in August, they made advancements, killing hundreds of Bin Laden's white-clothed militia, and retaking some of the important towns near the border.

Days later, a bomb went off in Ahmed Shah Massoud's office. Moroccan fundamentalists, posing as journalists, had blown a suicide bomb from their video camera.

Hours later, over five thousand were killed in a suicide attack on the United States which sent shock-waves of economic catastrophe around the world.

As the world began pointing fingers at Afghanistan, Massoud died of spinal cord injuries and severe gashes in his arms, legs and face. The United Front was thought to have lost the war right then, for Massoud was considered one of the greatest military intellects in modern history, and irreplaceable to a loosely-strung coalition.

But the United Front blasted missiles into Taliban military installations near Kabul. For two weeks they fired on the Taliban, broadening their control of Afghanistan in vengeance.

Russia announced they would support the United Front. Shortly thereafter, other countries began to offer support to the coalition which they had recognized all along. Yesterday, the United States announced its full support for the United Front, using the evidence of Massoud's death as evidence to the world of the Taliban's role in attacks on America's greatest city. At press, the United Front has incited thousands of Western Pashtuns to their cause, and reports indicate United Front troops are headed for Kabul.

I ask Pierre if he thought that it would be considered an infringement of the Afghan's independent spirit if the U.S. and U.N. would try to support the United Front. He says, "This is a delicate question. The Afghan's sense of self-determination stems from the fact that they never have been conquered. They always fought to be independent from outside powers, and they have always managed. The U.S. knows this, and in my opinion, they fear a new Vietnam…Should the conflict escalate, should the Americans invade Afghanistan, one could fear the worse…"

About the Site About Notes from the Road The Notes from the Road story, about Erik Gauger, his equipment and approach. Best Travel Sites A list of travel websites, science websites, outdoor websites, adventure websites, art and photography websites that have maintained an independent and unique spirit. Reviews Reviews, press clippings, criticism and more of Notes from the Road. Lost Sons of Afghanistan The first of two articles I wrote in the San Fernando Valley in 2001. A Museum for Kabul The follow-up to A Museum for Kabul. Bird List A collection of birds I have identified while on the road. I always keep an eye out for new birds and this is one of the greatest pleasures of travel. Count: 812 Fish List A collection of fish species I've counted in the wild over the course of my life. Count: 151 Mammal List A collection of every mammal I have positively identified over the course of my life. Count: 78 Reptiles & Amphibians List A collection of reptiles and amphibians I have managed to identify positively. Count: 55 Butterflies List A collection of butterflies I have managed to identify. Count: 54 Seashore Creatures List Tidepooling and snorkeling is one of the greatest joys of independent travel. This is my collection of seashore creatures I have identified during my Notes from the Road years. Count: 67 Dragonflies & Damselflie List A list of all my dragonfly and damselfly identifications. Count: 6