A letter expressing shock and dismay at the Asian Times' perceived endorsement of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, detailing the Taliban's human rights abuses, contrasting with previous Afghan leadership, and criticizing US involvement and media portrayal.

A letter dated December 10, 1996, by Keith Bennett expressing views on the Taliban seizure of Kabul, the murder of former President Najibullah, and the Chinese Communist Party's policy towards Afghanistan. The letter discusses historical and geopolitical contexts including the Sino-Soviet dispute and the Afghan revolutionary movement's factions, cautioning against simplistic judgments on Chinese policy and emphasizing the complexity of regional dynamics.

Coverage of the Non-Aligned Movement conference in Durban, including meetings with international leaders such as Fidel Castro, Laurent-Desire Kabila, and Kim Yong Nam. Reports on regional conflicts and political situations in Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Basque region in Spain, and ongoing Middle East peace negotiations involving Dennis Ross and Yasser Arafat. Details on solidarity activities and political interactions among various countries and organizations.