World: Death Behind a Keyhole

Protests over a perverse tragedy in Afghanistan

Since taking over as U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan last July, Adolph Dubs, 58, an affable 29-year career diplomat known to all as "Spike," had traveled a similar route to his office every day, without a security escort and without incident. There was a winding drive from his residence, skirting the old bazaar district, then a fast stretch to his embassy on the edge of Kabul. Last week Dubs' routine led to his abduction and death−and an international uproar that put still more stress on U.S.-Soviet relations.

As Dubs reached a midtown intersection last Wednesday morning,...