Anyone who was in Iraq in the worst days finds Kabul incredibly relaxed and peaceful. True, there are more checkpoints and roadblocks than when I was there in May, and more concrete barriers near NATO headquarters where a bomb went off recently.

   About 600 UN workers were evacuated this week after suicide bombers invaded a UN guesthouse a few days ago killing five foreign UN workers and 3 locals.

   My guesthouse now has armed guards on the roof, more sandbags in front, and more guards shooing away any car that tries to park nearby. A jumpy UN worker ran out last night in her pajamas when she heard a boom of indeterminate origin. I didn’t hear it.

   However, the real fear in Kabul right now is of swine flu. All the immigration officers at the airport are masked against dangerous foreigners. Schools and universities have been shut for three weeks.

Mothers in burkas shepherd masked children, and men – for the first time? – are covering their faces with masks. Women in burkas are already protected,.