The Taliban has threatened to wage war on any country aiding a US attack on the country. Its ambassador to Pakistan warned that any regional or neighbouring country which aided a US assault would spark "extraordinary dangers". "It would draw us into a reprisal war," said Abdul Salam Zaeef.
All foreigners in Afghanistan have been ordered to leave the country by the Taliban, amid fears of a retaliatory military strike by the US. The supreme leader of the Taliban has also urged Muslims in Afghanistan and around the world to face the threat of an attack by the United States and to prepare for Jihad, or Holy War, to defend their faith.
Mullah Mohammad Omar told the Taliban Voice of Shariat Radio that Afghanistan was an obvious target as a true Muslim state. He said the British and Russian empires had failed to impose their will on the Afghan people in the 19th and 20th centuries and urged Afghans to stand firm against any American attack.
Afghanistan's close neighbour Pakistan has pledged its "full support" to the international community in its efforts against terrorism but indicated that military action must be sanctioned by the UN.
"Consistent with Pakistan's policy of support for the decisions of the (UN) Security Council, the government will discharge its responsibilities under international law," Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar told a news conference.
He said that Pakistan wanted to maintain friendly relations with the Taliban and would be looking to hold talks with them on the "emergency situation".
Pakistan has also said it does not expect to take part in any international anti-terrorism operation outside its borders. President Musharraf's military cabinet and National Security Council met earlier today to discuss its response to US demands.
US demands are thought to include the use of Pakistani airspace and fuel, the closure of terrorist camps on Pakistani territory and intelligence information in hunting down terrorists. Mr Sattar would not be drawn on any specifics, saying that this was premature.
US President George W. Bush has thanked the Pakistani president for his government's support against terrorism, according to reports. Pakistan's official news agency has reported that Mr Bush phoned General Pervez Musharraf to thank him "for the firm support and co-operation extended to the US government in its fight against terrorism".
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has said that it is reviewing its ties with the Taliban. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are the only other countries which recognise the Taliban. The Pakistani and Saudi Arabian leaders had a telephone conversation this evening. Pakistan's official APP news agency said General Musharraf and Crown Prince Abdullah were in "complete unanimity". The Saudi Press Agency would only say that they had discussed "bilateral relations and developments on the international arena".
Iran has begun to seal off its border with Afghanistan on the east of the country to prevent an influx of refugees in the event of US retaliatory strikes.
Earlier today, President Saddam Hussein of Iraq called on the United States to show "common sense" and not to resort to violence as a response to the plane hijacks and attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon. He said America needed wisdom and that the West had used force before, only to find out that it did not achieve what was intended.
The Iraqi leader made his comments in an open letter addressed to the people and governments of the US and other Western countries. The comments come after one of President Bush's senior defence advisers indicated that Iraq could be a likely target in US reprisals.
