In one of the boldest attacks on the Afghan capital since Hamid Karzai became President, insurgents laid siege to several areas of Kabul on Jan. 18. Suicide bombers blew themselves up near Karzai's palace and the Education Ministry, while another three of the seven perpetrators took over a shopping complex across from the Justice Ministry. All the attackers were killed, as were two civilians and three members of the Afghan security forces. At least 70 people were wounded. The incident-a reminder of the Taliban's ability to strike at the shaky Afghan government-came as Kabul mulled a program aimed at persuading insurgents to renounce violence in exchange for economic incentives, amnesty and Taliban representation on a proposed Grand Peace Council.
展开▼
