Like their counterparts in Pakistan [2], Afghanistan's Taliban demonstrate once again that they aren't above blowing up their cannon fodder at mosques—during Ramadan—to enforce their supposedly purist version of Islam. Now didn't we hear somewhere, "Do not fight them at the Holy Mosque"? We've got a word of advice for these jokers: read the Koran [3]. From the LA Times [4], Sept 3:
In the most serious strike at Afghanistan's security apparatus since the presidential election two weeks ago, a suicide bomber Wednesday killed the country's deputy intelligence chief and at least 22 other people.
The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, which took place outside a mosque in Laghman province about 60 miles east of the capital, Kabul.
Authorities said the blast occurred as the intelligence official, Abdullah Laghmani, and his entourage were leaving the mosque where they had gone to pray during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Two senior provincial officials were reported to be among the dead.
The attack came amid rising tensions over the outcome of the Aug. 20 vote. The latest count, released Wednesday, put President Hamid Karzai in the lead with 47% -- close to an absolute majority, but not enough as yet to avoid a runoff with his main rival, former Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah. Authorities have released the count from about 60% of polling stations.
At least in their Aug. 18 election-eve suicide attack, they targeted a NATO convoy. (The Guardian [5], Aug. 18)
See our last post on Afghanistan [6].
Please leave a tip [7] or answer the Exit Poll [8].
