On Monday, the National Security Archives published newly declassified documents showing that Pakistan gave the Taliban substantial military aid for years before 9/11. In "Pakistan: 'The Taliban's Godfather'? Documents Years of Pakastani Support for Taliban, Extremists" edited by Barbara Elias, unnamed and undated US intelligence documents state, "consistent reporting indicated Pakistan provides both military and financial assistance to the Taliban."

This new release comes just days after Pakistan's president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, acknowledged that, "There is no doubt Afghan militants are supported from Pakistan soil." While Musharraf admitted the Taliban were being sheltered in the lawless frontier border regions, the declassified U.S. documents released today clearly illustrate that the Taliban was directly funded, armed and advised by Islamabad itself.

Obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by the National Security Archive at George Washington University, the documents reflect U.S. apprehension about Islamabad's longstanding provision of direct aid and military support to the Taliban, including the use of Pakistani troops to train and fight alongside the Taliban inside Afghanistan.

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