It was the second straight morning of daylight raids on the Taliban stronghold. Fighting between Afghanistan's opposition northern alliance and the ruling Taliban intensified Tuesday as the U.S. continued its airstrikes. As bombs crash and anti-aircraft guns roar in the night, Mohammed Quasi and his wife huddle with their seven children, praying for safety while the walls tremble and the door shakes. He is a mine clearer, with plenty of dangerous explosives left to uncover. Dust clouds reduce visibility to zero.
Anxious soldiers stop vehicles for hours, even days, at a time.
Soviet-style red tape and money hungry guards raise obstacles at every turn.