For the Hmong of northern Laos. it Is fear of a regimes effort to eliminate a group previously associated with the U.S. involvement in that nation. For Ethiopians. it is fear of the governments actions to destroy Ethiopias middle class and the remaining political opposition. For Afghans. it is fear of the Sovietdominated governments war on Afghanistans own people for political and religious reasons. Throughout this years World Refugee Survey. a theme recurs that represents a pressing concern of the international community. It is that efforts by nations offering immediate asylum to people fleeing persecution are both most compassionate and complex. "First asylum" countries. like Pakistan. Thailand. and numerous African nations. offer "temporary" haven which may extend for months and years.