On an unannounced visit to Afghanistan yesterday, First Lady Laura Bush appealed to the international community not to abandon the country in the face of resurgent Taliban violence. She arrived under tight security for an 81/2-hour visit to a country that her husband, President George W. Bush, has declared a main front in the battle against Islamist militants.

Mrs. Bush said it was a chance to highlight signs of reconstruction and improved women?s rights since US-led forces ousted the Taliban in 2001. Another important element of her mission was to try to shore up international commitment to the country as Afghan, US and NATO forces struggle to contain a Taliban guerrilla war. She added she hoped her visit would help her make the case at an Afghan donors conference in Paris next week for international support.

While the Taliban banned girls from school, the United Nations says there are now more girls in education than there were boys being taught under the ousted Islamist government.

?Of course we want more (girls) in school and I think this is the key to success in Afghanistan,? said Mrs. Bush, a former teacher.

Matt SPETALNICK