AFGHANISTAN: MAZAR-E-SHARIF: MILITARY DISPLAY

Natural Sound One of the Afghan factions battling with the Taliban religious army has put on a massive show of military force in its northern stronghold. In scenes eerily reminiscent of old Soviet-style May Day parades -- although on a much smaller scale -- tanks, Scud missiles and well-drilled troops were paraded on Monday through Mazar-e-Sharif, stronghold of northern warlord Rashid Dostum. The Taliban, who now control about two-thirds of Afghanistan, are expected to launch a spring offensive so