Yet media reports from this turbulent country seldom focus on the world body's efforts to return Afghanistan to a semblance of normality but more often concentrate on military and other operations by individual states.

Secretary General Kofi Annan, whose plate of problems is full enough without his having to confront another Afghan crisis at this time, was "profoundly shocked" by the latest bloody incidents and condemned these acts in the strongest possible terms, spokesman Fred Eckhard said. He said Annan is calling on the Afghan authorities to investigate fully the terrorist attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice. Given the breakdown of law and order in the country, don't hold your breath.

Ever one to look for a silver lining behind the darkest cloud, the Secretary General voiced confidence (in remarks relayed by his spokesman) that "these senseless attacks will only strengthen the resolve of the international community and the legitimate Afghan authorities to bring security and stability to Afghanistan."

Meanwhile, UN staff have been able to resume operations, though with great caution, in Gardez, Khost, Pakita and Pahtika, Manoel de Almeida e Silva, the UN mission spokesman said in Kabul.

Afghan faction leaders in the north have agreed to allow investigators and witnesses to visit a grave site in Dasht-e-Laily, it was announced. They said, however, that they could be responsible for only limited security measures for the visitors and would need international help to provide greater safety.

The US and other nations took on a heavy responsibility when the decision was made to clean the Taliban's clocks and try to flush out units of al Qaeda based in Afghanistan. Almost a year afterward, the question being asked around the UN is how and when it will ever end. The latest incidents do not encourage optimism.