Ismail Khan, 'Lion of Herat'

The fall of Herat, now widely proclaimed by the media in Iran, sees Ismail Khan, a legendary Mujahideen commander of the struggle against Soviet occupation, restored to his power base.

The "Lion of Herat" is famed for his political acumen. Four years ago he was taken prisoner by the Taliban and held in jail in Kandahar until local sympathisers helped him break out last year.

Within months of the Russian invasion in December 1979, he raised a revolt in Herat. Eventually the Russians destroyed half the old city.

Following the end of Russian occupation, in 1992 Ismail Khan became governor of Herat, where he ruled with an eye to good government and a refusal to indulge atrocities and vendettas. He recognised the equal status of women and cracked down on banditry. However, his officials were soon criticised for rampant corruption. The Taliban threw him out.

He is expected to be one of the main architects of any post-Taliban government.