Relics destroyed while Web looks on

The destruction of ancient Buddhist relics across troubled Afghanistan shocked and dismayed people around the world.

Even Pakistan, the nation generally believed to be pulling the strings of Afghanistan's dominant Taleban movement, has criticised the action.

Most of Afghanistan's historical legacy, from its palaces and places of worship to its artworks and museums, have been stolen or destroyed over the course of more than two decades of incessant warfare.

Even the towering Buddhas of Bamiyan, the focus of most world attention, have been badly damaged during the war.

Until last week, the most recent damage came from Taleban fighters who attempted to destroy the sculptures when they captured the valley two years ago.