October 12, 2001

Goals set by Pres Bush to root out Al Qaeda terrorists and Afghanistan's Taliban government become deeply entangled in murky politics that have kept Afghans fighting for more than 20 years; decision not to bomb Taliban front lines at point where breakdown would leave Kabul open to immediate capture by opposition Northern Alliance reflects grim strategic reality: Pakistan, crucial ally for US in meeting Bush's war aims, has threatened to close its airspace to American aircraft and cancel support if bombing allows Northern Alliance to overrun Kabul; Pakistan regards Northern Alliance, which has been supported by Iran and Russia, with deep suspicion; Gen Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan's president, claims he has ironclad understanding with Washington that Northern Alliance will not be allowed to 'draw mileage' from American bombing by closing in on Kabul before arrangements are complete for new government that will be friendly to Pakistan, as Taliban has been; as result, US military strategy could become hostage to bitter enmities that have long bedeviled Afghan politics, allowing Taliban to consolidate its position; photos (M)

United States and Britain make clear that engagement in Afghanistan might stretch into next summer or beyond; Pres Bush, in news conference, says military operation will continue for days, months or even years; Adm Sir Michael Boyce, Britain's top commander, says that if ground forces are called for, commando brigade of Royal Marines now on exercises in Oman would most likely be used; Defense Sec Donald H Rumsfeld is circumspect when asked if US might use significant number of ground troops inside Afghanistan, but says preparations are in progress for using such troops; American and British officials outline overall strategy of destroying Afghanistan's command and control structure from air, thereby clearing way for military operations by specialty units and for covert operations already under way; option of pursuing other terrorists groups in other Arab countries is still to be explored; American officials are concerned that allies such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia do not yet fully grasp that Bush's 'new war' against terrorism may not end with elimination of Osama bin Laden and could involve chasing terrorist groups in other countries; photo (M)

Ben Brantley rviews Broadway revival of Strindberg play Dance of Death; Ian McKellen and Helen Mirren star; photos (M)

News Corp chairman Rupert Murdoch says immediate effects of Sept 11 terrorist attacks cost company at least $100 million in advertising bookings, address to annual meeting; predicts results in this fiscal year will be flat against prior year; adds promising signs have emerged; photo (S)

Oakland Athletics defeat New York Yankees, 2-0, in second game of first round playoffs; lead series, 2-0; photo (M)