Kofi Annan, United Nations secretary general, made light at a UN awards gala of what many fear is the biggest crisis of his career. “You'll be pleased to hear that tonight I have resigned myself,” he told his audience on Friday, “to having a good time.” Mr Annan's comic timing could use some work but the brief pause had an electric effect.

Momentarily, the room went quiet as UN Correspondents' Association guests wondered whether he was bowing to his critics' demands. In an interview with the Financial Times that day, Mr Annan made it clear he intended no such thing. But he also left no doubt that he was feeling the strain at a time of extraordinary importance for the 59-year-old organisation.