On Kabul becoming an 'open city'

One solution gaining popularity in diplomatic circles is that of declaring Kabul a neutral zone to be occupied by United Nations troops. This solution could be approved by both Pakistan and the Northern Alliance. However, the top UN envoy for Afghanistan, Lakdhar Brahimi, one of the few mediators trusted by both the West and the Islamic world, doesn't fully agree with the proposal. Afghans, he maintains, would be reluctant to accept any foreign military presence on their soil.

Brahimi has also made several appeals to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to pressure the United States to stop the bombing campaign so that aid can be brought to the civilian population.

It seems that Washington is unlikely to back down, and will continue the attacks into the winter, including over the Islamic holy month of Ramadhan, arguing that the Taliban should not be given time to reorganize. Yet as the conflict continues the messages coming from the Arab world are sounding less reassuring for the Americans.

-- La Repubblica, Rome