It is tempting to say that the common denominator between conspiracy and cricket is Pakistan itself, and its ambiguous status as a supposed Islamic ally of the west.

Pakistan, the most prominent Islamic ally in the war in Afghanistan, has allowed American search-and-rescue aircraft and Special Operations forces to operate from several of its bases.

Later he began placing Islamic allies in important bureaucratic posts and encouraging families to send their children to religious schools and women to wear head scarves.

The last of the cold war's battlegrounds, Afghanistan has become a new arena for regional competition, no longer between the superpowers, but among its neighbors, its new Islamic allies and the wary republics to the north.

Even so, the administration has struggled with finding Arab and non-Arab Islamic allies to speak to the region on America's behalf.

Even before today's bombing in Kabul, fault lines were emerging among crucial Islamic allies.

Mr. Bush's speech is expected to include talk of a new diplomatic initiative to shore up confidence among Washington's Islamic allies in the region as well as to warn its adversaries.

Although the city had a large Christian population, it was betrayed by Islamic allies of Bohemund, prince of Taranto.

Mr. Hoon's proposal on Ramadan reflects sensitivity to crucial Islamic allies like Pakistan, as well as public opinion in Europe.

In student council elections last month at Al Najah University in Nablus, on the West Bank, Hamas and its Islamic allies overwhelmed Fatah, 60 percent to 34 percent.