The theatre of the absurd in Afghanistan continues to claim lives. No one seems concerned about the continuing sacrifice of American blood and treasure for a war without a purpose or a goal. “Bombing follows draft of US, Afghan security agreement,” by Kathy Gannon and Rahim Faiez for the Associated Press, November 16 (thanks to Kenneth):
Kabul, Afghanistan “” A suicide vehicle bomb tore through the Afghan capital Saturday, killing at least one soldier securing a site where thousands of elders are to gather next week to discuss a controversial security agreement with the United States, officials said.
Authorities said they expected casualties to rise from the powerful blast, which mangled a dozen cars and destroyed shops nearby. Ambulances raced away with dozens of wounded from the site. Police could be seen collecting body parts.
The explosion came just hours after President Hamid Karzai announced that US and Afghan negotiators had finished a draft to be presented to the Loya Jirga, whom Kabul says must approve the document before Afghanistan signs it.
Another three soldiers were wounded when the explosive-laden vehicle rammed into their armored vehicle posted about 200 yards from the giant tent where the Loya Jirga is to be held, said Defense Ministery spokesman Gen. Mohammed Zahir Azimi.
Hashmat Stanikzai, spokesman for the police chief said he expected the casualty figures to increase.
No one has immediately taken responsibility but the blame is likely to fall on the Taliban, who have adamantly opposed the presence of any foreign soldiers in Afghanistan….