Summary

The people of Mazar-i-Sharif welcomed the American and Northern Alliance forces riding with Atta as they entered that city on Nov. 10. Atta was concerned when he heard there were several hundred Taliban still hidden out in a school building and warned Dean that these Taliban would fight to the death. Meanwhile, Dostum was not happy that Atta and his men had reached the city first but figured once he arrived he would be able to reclaim his position as the leader there.

When Dostum did arrive in Mazar he first asked to be given a celebratory ride through the city in one of the Gators. He next went to the Blue Mosque and reopened it. Even though Dostum had never been religious he took off his boots and prayed for Nelson whom he loved like a son.

As Atta expected, there was...