U.N. fears role as Taliban target

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Three attacks against the United Nations and its workers in Afghanistan in the last week sent a shudder through the international community, raising fears the world body could be emerging as a target of choice for suspected Taliban insurgents.

In response, the United Nations on Monday suspended humanitarian operations in southern and eastern Afghan-istan. U.N. associate spokeswoman Marie Okabe said staff would continue working in the north, which includes the capital, Kabul.

A U.N.-wide review of security is under way, though the world body vowed it would never be forced out of Afghani-stan.