The Taliban accuses Russia of arming and supporting the opposition. The opposition denies the charge and says Pakistan is backing the Taliban. The latest Taliban victories would come just days before fresh U.N. sanctions against the Taliban take effect to press the ruling militia to hand over Saudi billionaire Osama bin Laden to the United States or a third country for trial. Washington accuses bin Laden of masterminding the bombing of two of its embassies in East Africa in 1998. Bin Laden denies the charge and the Taliban say the United States has failed to give any evidence of his involvement.
Lupus affects women much more commonly than men.