Comments by Russia's president Vladimir Putin which suggest that Afghanistan's Northern Alliance is the country's "legitimate government" indicates cracks in the Western-led coalition.

Washington has called for a "broad-based government" to replace the Taliban, a move that coincides with Pakistan's desire to give a role to southern tribes in a future government.

Pakistan is also pressuring the US to halt bombing and other military actions during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which starts on November 17.