Mobile phone plan to counter Taliban propaganda

Mobile phones could be given to ordinary Afghans under proposals to counter Taliban propaganda being considered by ministers, it was disclosed today.

The BBC reported that the plan, part of a British government-commissioned report by an outside consultant, would be used to record up to 100 video diaries for a film festival next year.

Anti-western films, including footage of civilians apparently killed in US raids, are widely circulated in the country by phone and internet.

A spokesman for the Department for International Development (DfID) said: "An external consultant has proposed a scheme but absolutely no decision has been made and it would be wrong to suggest that DfID will fund it."