WE must not assume that the military action in Afghanistan is as good as over. The Northern Alliance controls only 40 per cent of the country. While Kabul appears to be at its mercy, the Taliban heartland in the south of the country may be more difficult to conquer.

Nevertheless, President Bush and Tony Blair will be relieved that the five-week bombing campaign is beginning to reap rewards.

Now that their military strategy appears to be heading for a satisfactory conclusion, attention will inevitably turn to the political strategy.

It is inconceivable that the White House and Downing Street have come this far without a final game plan in mind.

The only indication we have so far is from the frantic messages sent to the Northern Alliance to hold back from a final push on Kabul.

Both the US and Britain, it appears, are fearful of seizure of power by the Northern Alliance. They are right to be wary.

For the past two decades, Afghanistan has been torn apart by civil war, which in itself has created the conditions where terrorist groups can flourish.

The Northern Alliance will be unable on its own to unite the country and bring an end to the civil war. It is in the interests of both Afghanistan and the wider war against terrorism that a broad-based government is formed, bringing together the disparate groups within the country.

It is essential that the United Nations is brought in to steer Afghanistan through these short and medium term difficulties.

The US, after pounding the country into submission in recent weeks, cannot be seen as peacemaker.

Only the UN has a chance of brokering a viable political settlement within Afghanistan, and, at the same time, holding together fragile international support, particularly from the Muslim world.

Test of spirit

THAT New York has had to bear the brunt of two horrific disasters within the space of nine weeks is difficult to comprehend.

But in the aftermath of the atrocity on September 11, the city has demonstrated its resilience and indomitable spirit. We are confident New York and New Yorkers will continue to show their mettle and fortitude in the face of this latest tragedy.