KABUL -- Afghanistan's Northern Alliance, backbone of the U.S.-backed government of Hamid Karzai, has issued a strongly worded criticism of the president and warned he was running risks if he did not change his policies.

The warning was carried in an editorial of the Payame Mujahid weekly, which reflects the views of the dominant Tajik faction of the Alliance. It also questioned the prominent role apparently being played by the 87-year-old former king Mohammad Zahir Shah.

"We are of the opinion that Mr. Karzai still has the opportunity once again to review his acts and correct his policies," it said.

"Otherwise, relying on some American guards and walking without deliberation, can ensure risky consequences for Karzai's government," it said without elaborating on the dangers.

Karzai's government came to power after Northern Alliance forces toppled the fundamentalist Taleban regime last year with the help of U.S. air power.

The strongest faction of the Alliance is the Tajik Jamiat group, which has long opposed Zahir Shah, Reuters reported.

Pamaye Mujahid (Message of the Holy Warrior) criticized Karzai's failure to form a Parliament during the June Loya Jirga (grand assembly) that picked him to head a transitional government for 18 months.