India has increased is non-lethal aid to the Afghan Northern Opposition forces led by Ahmadshah "Lion of the Panjsher" Massoud. His forces now have six or seven Mi-17 helicopters used to carry supplies to isolated rebel posts; Massoud wants to have 20 helicopters and is arranging to lease five An-32 cargo planes from India. The fortunes of the Northern Opposition over the last three years can be linked directly to how many helicopters and transport aircraft they have available to fly in supplies.--Stephen V Cole