But some elements within the broad Taleban movement are said to support the idea.

BBC: Afghans

He initially supported the Taleban movement but feared the overt Pakistani influence over the regime.

BBC: NEWS | South Asia | Afghan powerbrokers: Who's who

Kandahar was the homeland of the Taleban and the movement still has popular support in the rural areas here.

BBC: Taleban 'ambush Afghan police'

Any appraisal of the Taleban's role will also have to overcome considerable hostility from the outside world, most of which shuns the movement, doesn't recognise it as the legitimate Afghan government, and regards it as providing a haven for dangerous Islamic extremists.

BBC: Analysis: Testing time for Taleban