Mohammed Zahir Shah, the former monarch of Afghanistan, and the Northern Alliance have agreed to set up a council of leaders to convene a Loya Jirga. The Loya Jirga is an ancient institution that is composed of representatives among the intellectuals, tribal chiefs and religious leaders. The Loya Jirga's purpose is for the people to decide the fate of their country.

Zahir Shah, king of Afghanistan from 1933 to 1973, kept Afghanistan neutral throughout World War II and the Cold War. In 1964 he recognized a need for social reform and as a result established a new constitution. This change revitalized the country, bringing in foreign investors and introducing hospitals, universities, and art galleries. Many people came from around the world to visit the rugged beauty of Afghanistan. Not everybody was happy with the changes however, especially many Islamic fundamentalists and tribal leaders.

In 1973, Zahir Shah was in Italy to see an eye doctor when his cousin, Mohammed Daoud, led a coup to take over the government. This plunged the country into civil war until 1979 when the Soviet Union invaded. Zahir Shah's son, Mirwais, told the Washington Post that his family wanted Afghanistan to ``have peace and for the people to decide their government in a democratic manner, with free elections.''

The other main party in the deal is the Northern Alliance. It is formed of several groups in opposition to the Taliban, with President Rabbani as their recognized leader. They consist of the former groups that fought for control when the Soviets left Afghanistan and control about 10 percent of the country. Many think that without them, all of Afghanistan would belong to the Taliban.

In the past two years, both Zahir Shah and the Northern Alliance have tried to get support for the Loya Jirga from outside countries.

Senior U.S. officials have said that Bush approves of covert efforts to help, including possible military help after the events of Sept. 11.

The Taliban, in response to the opposition it faces, has said that they would share control of southern regions of Afghanistan. This is significant in that it is the first time the Taliban has entered into such agreements. In response to this, Abdel Barin Atwan, the editor in chief of the Palestinian newspaper ``Al Quds,'' says that the Taliban is starting to panic.

``They don't know what to do. They can see there is a huge coalition ... building up against them,'' he said. ``I believe there is a split in the Taliban. The radical [side] has the upper hand and is headed by Mullah Mohammed Omar ... Then there is part of the camp that doesn't believe that. They say `we have had enough fighting, let us look at the future and maybe get a commission from the U.N. to rebuild the country.'''

Whatever happens, the former king is adamant that the country's future should be decided by its people alone.