It was suggested the U.N. high command had promised to stop air strikes against the Serb army in return for the release of 370 U.N. soldiers held prisoner -- and Mladic took this as the green light to attack Srebrenica.

CNN: Srebrenica: Worst European atrocity since WWII

Sreenivasan told The Hindu that Karkare -- who had strong credentials in fighting terrorism, corruption and money laundering -- could have earned a post at a U.N. agency in Vienna, but chose instead to return home to serve India.

CNN: Colleagues: Slain terror chief 'superb,' a 'daredevil'

If the U.N. wants a semblance of normal political and social life to be restored in Afghanistan and international aid to return, it should recognize that supporting President Rabbani is the least unattractive among the options available.

CNN: A Workable Plan

What should be done in Sierra Leone is obvious: Urge the Nigerians, who want to keep peace in their own backyard, to return and rout the rebels--with all expenses paid by the U.N.

FORBES: Fact and Comment