The Council of Commanders, 1990-92

In 1990 the political disarray at Peshawar spawned an attempt by commandersinside Afghanistan to develop a coordinated command structure among themselves.Led by Abdul Haq, an outspoken commander affiliated with Yunis Khalis, a seriesof increasingly larger meetings was held, climaxing with one in Massoud'sPanjshir valley in September. It was widely representative of the majorcommanders and drew up a set of understandings on mutual support andcooperation. But it was not able to create a comprehensive command structurethat could solve logistical difficulties or coordinate a nationwide strategy.The commanders did not build a workable political system.

Dependence on the parties and Pakistan for supplies was too pervasive. Theirjealousy regarding their own hard-won autonomy was also a factor. They sharedthe same territorial mentality that had kept the party leaders from uniting.