Search for Bodies Continues at UN Headquarters

As the international community condemned the bombing, UN secretary-general, Kofi Annan, said that his staff would remain in Iraq and continue their humanitarian mission. Countries around the world echoed Mr Annan's resolve, though responses varied from country to country. While Thailand reiterated its commitment to sending troops, the European Commission announced that it would be scaling down its presence in Baghdad. Whatever their initial response, however, leaders and observers around the world are asking themselves tough questions about security measures in Iraq and how international participation will be affected by the attacks. As one Scottish newscaster noted, "There's no doubt whatsoever that, both in the United Nations and in the capitals of those countries who have lost nationals, people will be saying to themselves, Just exactly what can we do in order to protect our people? And if we can't protect them adequately, can we justify going ahead with a mission of this kind, no matter how important it may be?" Former president of Ireland, Mary Robinson, told the newscaster that she hoped the attack would reinforce the need for the UN to take the lead in the reconstruction of Iraq. "It is an appalling blow, and the world must rally, not just the coalition - the occupation forces that are in Iraq at the moment, the United States, Britain and others - but also France, Germany, India, Brazil, South Africa [and] all the countries of the world must now respond." - YaleGlobal