Jackson Decides Against Trip to Afghanistan

Jesse Jackson said he would not travel to Afghanistan to mediate its dispute with America, but will appeal for the hand-over of suspected terrorists and the release of aid workers being held there.

The civil rights leader and former presidential candidate said in Chicago that he had received one phone call and two letters from Afghan officials who invited him to meet with high-ranking Taliban officials.

But Jackson said he decided not to make the trip after a delegation from Pakistan could not persuade Afghan officials to release eight Christian aid workers from prison and turn over Osama bin Laden, the prime suspect in the Sept. 11 attacks.