71.   But Afghan opposition forces are anxious for U.S. help in taking Mazar-e-Sharif.

72.   But Russia sees the Afghan opposition as the best bet to defeat the Taliban and prevent the spread of Islamic fundamentalism into Central Asia.

73.   But the Taliban claim they were smuggling weapons to the Afghan opposition.

74.   Capturing Mazar-e-Sharif would allow Afghan opposition forces to control supply routes and consolidate their position near the borders with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

75.   Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu first said Turkey was prepared to send troops to train the Afghan opposition.

76.   Dobbins said he hoped that Afghan opposition groups would gather under the auspices of the United Nations in the next few days.

77.   Dutch authorities have extradited a man detained last week in connection with the murder of Afghan opposition leader Ahmed Shah Massood, officials said Friday.

78.   Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said Tuesday Turkey was considering hosting a meeting by Afghan opposition groups to discuss a new government once the Taliban is defeated.

79.   German leaders of Afghan opposition say they will support U.S.

80.   He also denied claims by the Afghan opposition northern alliance that there had eben mass defections from Taliban ranks.