On the scene with CNN's Nic Robertson in Afghanistan

Nic Robertson

CNN.com talked with deputy London bureau chief Nic Robertson, who is in Kandahar, Afghanistan, checking into accusations that Osama bin Laden's network may have been involved in the attack on the USS Cole that killed 17 American sailors.

Q: What's the general mood there in Afghanistan?

ROBERTSON: It's one of apprehension. The people here are very aware of what happened the last time (when the U.S. attacked Osama bin Laden's suspected headquarters). They fear if the finger were pointed at bin Laden or Afghanistan in general, then there might be more attacks. Diplomats here say that if there were more (U.S.-led military) strikes, then that would lead to more attacks on U.S. citizens. They say, 'Look, you're just rattling a hornet's nest here. It will just make people more angry.'

Certainly, there are elements within the Taliban that realize bin Laden is a millstone around their neck, as far as international recognition is concerned. And gaining international recognition is a top priority for the Taliban. They've almost completely conquered the country, and they want to solidify that conquest by being recognized in the international community by getting a seat at the United Nations.

The more liberal elements view Osama bin Laden as a real stumbling block in that process. ... There are others who say bin Laden was a welcome guest when they fought off the Russian occupation in the 1980s, that he was welcome then ... and 'we won't turn our backs on him now' in his hour of need.

Q: What are Afghan officials saying about the Yemeni president's statements that bin Laden's group may have been involved in the attack on the USS Cole?

ROBERTSON: Talking to an international diplomat here in Kandahar, his sense of the situation is that there's a lot of apprehension and concern given that the indicators are now pointing more toward Afghanistan as being the source of the attack on the USS Cole.

Here in Afghanistan, the government officials have no role in the investigation on the Cole attack. But the government's position is that they've said since the 1998 attacks on the U.S. embassies in Tanzania and Kenya that they've kept Osama bin Laden away from any means of communication. They say they've taken his satellite phones away from him; they say he's isolated and doesn't have access to connections to people to perpetrate such a terrorist attack.

(Bin Laden) is known to have moved his base recently (in Afghanistan), and he is known to travel around at night. So how much control the Taliban have over Osama bin Laden is not clear. Osama bin Laden is forbidden from talking to journalists; the Taliban refuses access to him. And, of course, his whereabouts are a tightly guarded secret.

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  • Near Eastern Affairs: Country Profile - Yemen

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