The UN's role on Afghanistan

The U.N. Secretary-general Kofi Annan has kept a low profile regarding the 11 September attacks which have thrown the world into one of the most turbulent crises in modern history.

President George W. Bush's battle-cry --"Either (you are) with us or with the terrorists" -- is an oversimplification of the situation which is full of potentially horrific consequences.

With its raison d'etre being to preserve world peace and security, the U.N. should raise its voice against this looming mayhem. The organization should not keep silent or look the other way as the world teeters on the brink.

The American sidelining of the U.N. sharply contrasts with its desire during the 1990 Gulf crisis to get the support of this international organization. As the past few days have amply shown, Washington in no mood to listen to anyone else. With its finger on the trigger, the U.S. is busy accusing other people, while hastily working out a plan of action and expecting the unquestioning support of every country.

Unless the U.S. is brought to its senses, American gunship diplomacy will simply add to the fragility of an already shaky globe.

-- The Egyptian Gazette, Cairo