91.   Clashes between rival warlords in the Afghan provinces in recent weeks have underpinned calls from senior UN officials and Karzai for a more robust foreign security presence.

92.   Deadly factional fighting between rival Afghan warlords Thursday underlined a call by interim leader Hamid Karzai for more international troops to help stabilise the country.

93.   The troop deployment was requested by provincial Governor Taj Mohammad Wardak, whose forces have clashed with rival warlord Padsha Khan.

94.   There have been several clashes between rival warlords in recent weeks, which Karzai said highlighted the need for a national army.

95.   There were no casualties but the incident was the second of its kind in the past week and follows a series of skirmishes between rival warlords outside the capital.

96.   Three people have already been killed as rival warlords prepare to battle for control of the eastern Afghan city of Khost, reports said Friday.

97.   US sources said it was possible their forces had been caught in crossfire between rival warlords.

98.   Unrest was brewing in two eastern Afghan provinces as the interim government struggled to appoint governors and settle competing claims by rival tribal warlords.

99.   Yet Robinson said women had repeatedly expressed concerns about security, not only in the Afghan capital but also in restive provinces where rival warlords continue to hold power.

100.   It is an area where support for the militants has always been strong, and was recently the scene of fighting between rival warlords.