Afghans Hit By 2nd Deadly Suicide Blast

At Least 35 Killed As Relatives Bury Victims Of Sunday Blast That Left 100 Dead

(CBS/AP)  As relatives and friends buried the victims Monday of the deadliest blast to hit Afghanistan since the 2001 U.S. invasion, another suicide bomber killed 35 civilians at a busy market in the same province, a police official said.

At least 28 people were wounded in the market attack, apparently targeting a Canadian military convoy in Spin Boldak, a town in Kandahar province near the border with Pakistan, said Abdul Razeq, the Spin Boldak border police chief. Two Canadian soldiers were wounded, he said.

The death toll from the Sunday blast on the outskirts of Kandahar city rose to more than 100 on Monday, according to a provincial governor, who also said he had warned an anti-Taliban militia leader targeted in the attack that militants were trying to kill him.

Sunday's suicide bomber blew himself up in a crowd of men and boys watching a dog fighting competition in the southern city of Kandahar.

Kandahar Gov. Asadullah Khalid told The Associated Press the death toll from the Sunday blast had risen to more than 100, up from 80. Most victims were killed immediately, though some of the scores of Afghans critically wounded had died, Khalid said. He did not give a precise toll.

The bombing was the deadliest in Afghanistan since the Taliban's ouster from power in 2001 and follows a year of record violence and predictions the conflict could turn even deadlier in 2008.

Officials said the suicide attacker targeted a militia leader, Abdul Hakim Jan, who died in the attack, along with 35 of his men. Khalid told mourners at a mosque he had warned Jan about three weeks ago that militant suicide bombers were trying to target him.

Khalid blamed the bombing Sunday on the "enemy of Afghanistan" - terminology frequently used by officials to refer to the Taliban. A Taliban spokesman said he didn't immediately know if the militants were responsible. The Taliban often claim responsibility immediately after major attacks against police and army forces - often naming the bombers - but shy away from claiming attacks with high civilian casualties.

Kandahar - the Taliban's former stronghold and Afghanistan's second largest city - is one of the country's largest opium poppy producing areas. The province has been the scene of fierce battles between NATO forces, primarily from Canada and the United States, and Taliban fighters over the last two years.

Dog fighting competitions are a popular form of entertainment around Afghanistan. The fights can attract hundreds of spectators who cram into a tight circle around the spectacle. The sport was banned during the Taliban rule.

The blast crumpled several Afghan police trucks and left bloodstains around the barren dirt field. Afghan soldiers donated blood at Kandahar's main hospital after the attack, said Dr. Durani, who goes by only one name.

"There are too many patients here," he said. "Some of them are in very serious condition."

Wali Karzai, brother of President Hamid Karzai and the president of Kandahar's provincial council, said Monday that Jan was the target of the attack

Jan was the provincial police chief in Kandahar in the early 1990s and was the only commander in the province to stand up to the Taliban during its rule, said Khalid Pashtun, a parliamentarian who represents Kandahar.

"Hakim Jan is one of the important, prominent jihadi commanders in Kandahar," Pashtun said. "There were so many people gathered and of course the Taliban and al Qaeda usually target this kind of important people."

Jan was most recently appointed the commander of an auxiliary police force - often shorthand for a local militia operating with government approval - to protect the Arghandab, a strategic area north of Kandahar. The area was overrun briefly by the Taliban late last year after the local leader, Mullah Naqibullah, died of heart attack.

A joint Afghan, NATO and U.S. force pushed the militants out of Arghandab. Shortly after, NATO's top commander in Afghanistan, U.S. Gen. Dan McNeill, visited Arghandab to reassure local leaders of the alliance's commitment to help President Hamid Karzai's government keep the area under their control.

Suicide attacks have been on the rise in Afghanistan, but rarely have they killed so many people. Militants carried out more than 140 suicide attacks in 2007, a record number.

Faizullah Qari Gar, a resident of Kandahar who was at the dog fight, said militant commanders' bodyguards opened fire on the crowd after the bombing.

"In my mind there were no Taliban to attack after the blast but the bodyguards were shooting anyway," he said.

The previous deadliest bomb attack came in November in the northern city of Baghlan, when a suicide bombing and subsequent gunfire from bodyguards killed about 70 people including six parliamentarians and 58 students and teachers. Investigators never determined how many of the deaths were caused by the blast and how many by the gunfire.

[joyous88]

the surge is working , this is great to see the surge working,

[poopusbuttus]

The "Actual Surge" is taking place in Iraq, not Afghanistan.

But hey, I know what you meant :)

At any rate, the surge is working. However, we cannot expect to cover every inch of both of those countries.

[ontheleft]

''However, we cannot expect to cover every inch of both of those countries.

Posted by poopusbuttus at 07:21 AM''

You really need to read more news about what''s going on over there. The problem has nothing to do with not being able to cover every inch of the country militarily. The political situation in both countries is where the problem lies.

[poopusbuttus]

You really need to read more news about what''''s going on over there. The problem has nothing to do with not being able to cover every inch of the country militarily. The political situation in both countries is where the problem lies.


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Posted by ontheleft


The political situation is taking care of itself. Afghanistan and Iraq are growing stronger and more self-reliant by the day.

Time for you to jump aboard the train of success. Lay your hatred of Bush to your side. Be a leader, not a follower of a blind liberal ideology.

[rowdytexan2]

Posted by singinrick at 08:34 AM : Feb 18, 2008

lol, the ''liberal'' media is owned by the corporations...there''s no such thing!

[the74blaster]

You really need to read more news about what''''''''s going on over there. The problem has nothing to do with not being able to cover every inch of the country militarily. The political situation in both countries is where the problem lies.

Posted by poopusbuttus,

I agree with this. However, with that being the case does anyone have an idea as to how long our troops will need to be in Afganistan and Iraq?

All you have to do is look the events in Vietnam and realize this is a similiar situation. We spent how much, lost how many and in the end after we left South Vietnam was overrun by the Viet Cong.

The second we withdraw our troops the people will overthrow the government we installed regardless of how long we are there.

Are we prepared to support a policy that will spend tens of trillions, costs tens of thousands of Americans to leave and watch an Islamic state form?

I do not believe we be wasting our resources on programs with no tangible return on them when you consider the problems these same resources could solve domestically.

[displeased]

If only they looked to Christ, and not their "religion".
Posted by singinrick

Looking to Christ and the Christian religion is not a solution. That''s only transferring from one delusion to another.

[displeased]

-You''''re right, the surge is working, and has had some positive results.
Posted by singinrick

The surge is working because the Mehdi Army is obligating a cease fire. Once our troops leave, they will resume the civil war. The success of the surge is only temporary.

[rowdytexan2]

The Iraqi''s nor the Afghani''s intend to live in democracy. So what is the point?

We''ve spent a trillion dollars to watch them go into civil war to form their secular government.

[rowdytexan2]

Posted by singinrick at 09:43 AM : Feb 18, 2008

Absolutely nothing! But we must just truck on while the Neocons attempt to get their pipeline and oil contracts.

[prinzowhales]

Take a look at CBS''s "Iraq after Saddam" section... nothing has happened in Iraq since 2-13-08 according to CBS...

Looks like the monsters are carrying on with their dirty war against the Afghan people....way to go NATO!
Keep that Opium flowing...keep those coffins heading for Dover and the medevacs in the air...no cost is too great to serve the interests of Big Oil and the Drug Lords.

Meanwhile in other news, the biggest terror leader in the Middle East, Olmert, has said everyone in Gaza is a target.

If all of the money we have wasted on the Stupid Peoples War had been put into solar energy millions of homes and businesses would no longer require hydrocarbons...
If GM had continued non-stop with its electric car instead of quashing it--literally--it is more than likely that they would NOT be in the red now....

If your leaders would support the officers working against drug importation instead of jailing Border Patrol agents who interdict protected drug dealers, supporting the creation of a narco-terrorist KLA and M13, and opium production in Afghanistan, we might actually win the drug war.

Keep voting Demopublican! There are still stupid, criminal and murderous deeds that need to be accomplished by vicious evil men and women...Stand behind them!...Vote Demopublican!...Your very soul depends on it!

[rowdytexan2]

-When are you ever going to realize that fighting Islamic extremists has absolutely nothing to do with oil??? How long do you plan on using that as a pawn???

Let your hatred of Republicans and your President go!

It''''s consuming your entire being!


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Posted by singinrick at 09:53 AM : Feb 18, 2008

Fighting Islamic extremists is the furthest thing from the Neocon regime.

I don''t hate anybody...but I''m not a blind sheep who will follow them into hell like you are.

Al Queda and Taliban do the Neocon bidding to create chaos. Once you realize that, and get your head out of the Bush behind, you may be able to see it.

[bogusbones]

beware americans, this, after iraq, will become our new, unwinnable battleground. the cultures, religions, beliefs, governments are so far apart from each other, that they will never be reconciled. do you want to be sending troops to these places for a hundred years? and what do you get in return? poor education system, poor health system, higher national debt and deficit, higher oil prices, inflation, poor infratstructure, death, misery, menatal anguish. oh, i see why we''re there. stupid me.

[bogusbones]

rowdy texan, how long are you neocons going to hold on to the protecting against terrorism, spreading democracy, protecting american interests theme. just as repetitive, just as flimsy. i''d love for this administration to give one valid reason we''re there. national security? ha! look out everyone, the combined air forces of afghanistan, iraq and iran are right now flying toward d.c. and there''s no way we''re going to stop them without a trillion dollar deficit and giving the military every dollar that should be invested for the betterment of american, not soothing the paranoid delusions of a few misinformed "leaders."

[jwind11]

Al Queda and Taliban do the Neocon bidding to create chaos. Once you realize that, and get your head out of the Bush behind, you may be able to see it.


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Posted by RowdyTexan2

You have proof of this?!! you need get the proof to the media....for the safety of the country!!

[jwind11]

look out everyone, the combined air forces of afghanistan, iraq and iran are right now flying toward d.c. and there''''s no way we''''re going to stop them without a trillion dollar deficit and giving the military every dollar that should be invested for the betterment of american, not soothing the paranoid delusions of a few misinformed "leaders."


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Posted by bogusbones

they are?!!! oh my god!!! what are they doing to do?!!

[ajaxtheleast]

MY GOODNESS, ALL SMILES IN AFRICA, CUTE AS
CAN BE, TURNING HIMSELF INSIDE OUT BEGGING
TO LIKED.

A BITTTCH DOG IN HEAT ROLLING AROUND ON THE
GROUND.

[lovegetpeace]

Folks,
The Soviet Union got out of Afghanistan after trying everything for 13 years.

What do the Americans have that makes you think we can beat those country loving people against invaders?

In Iraq, Americans are paying the local militants to stay quiet...this is unsubtainable once we leave sooner or later. In business, they cut their loses and move on with life.

[lovegetpeace]

Folks,
After 100 years, the European learned that Colonization never works.

After about 50 years, the Americans learned that Imperialism in Latin America never works.

After 6 years, the Americans should have learned by now that Democratization of Iraq and Afghanistan will never work. Instead, why don''t we democratize the Saudi Arabia kingdom?

Democracy must come from forces within otherwise they will not listen to invaders.

[lovegetpeace]

Folks,
After 100 years, the Europeans learned that Colonialism never works.

After 50 years, the Americans learned that Imperialism in Latin America never works.

After 6 years, the Americans should learn that Democratizing Iraq and Afghanistan will never work.

Democracy must come from within otherwise they will never listen to invaders (outsiders).

[lovegetpeace]

Folks,
2 weeks after 9/11, Osama Bin Ladin released his first video where he told the world why he did what he did.

The 1st reason was a US military base 60 miles from the holist Mecca. The 2nd reason was the Israel-Palestinian conflict. I forgot the 3rd reason.

On May 15, 1948, the American President advocated the creation of the State of Israel. 2 years later, more than 4.5 million Palestinians were forced out of their homes and lands without compensation. Is this Terrorism?

[lovegetpeace]

Hay Singinrick,
Please do not listen to me and continue to spent your treasury and blood until you can just nolonger afford it.

[rowdytexan2]

Folks,
The Soviet Union got out of Afghanistan after trying everything for 13 years.

What do the Americans have that makes you think we can beat those country loving people against invaders?

In Iraq, Americans are paying the local militants to stay quiet...this is unsubtainable once we leave sooner or later. In business, they cut their loses and move on with life.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by lovegetpeace at 12:31 PM : Feb 18, 2008

Exactly!

[singingrick]

Folks,
2 weeks after 9/11, Osama Bin Ladin released his first video where he told the world why he did what he did.

The 1st reason was a US military base 60 miles from the holist Mecca. The 2nd reason was the Israel-Palestinian conflict. I forgot the 3rd reason.

On May 15, 1948, the American President advocated the creation of the State of Israel. 2 years later, more than 4.5 million Palestinians were forced out of their homes and lands without compensation. Is this Terrorism?

Posted by lovegetpeace at 12:57 PM : Feb 18, 2008

[singingrick]

Hay Singinrick,
Please do not listen to me and continue to spent your treasury and blood until you can just nolonger afford it.

Posted by lovegetpeace at 01:13 PM : Feb 18, 2008


Well said. That has been Bin Laden''s stated goal long before and since 9/11. They want to grind America down in Iraq until we''re totally bankrupt and defeated. The price tag is estimated to be 2 trillion dollars and rising. These neocon''s obviously support Bin Laden''s goals as they want to stay the failed course indefinitely.

[notblue]

The liberal losers who frequent these posts, like rowdytexan, in previous posts state Bush dropped the ball as the real enemy is in Afghanistan not Iraq until it fits to say otherwise. THe enemy in Afghanistan, namely radical Islam, hasn''t "given up" so according to these same leftwingers we must now retreat let chaos win since 13 years of fighting back has not shown the success in a timely manner. Knowing these radical Islamists will never give up why is surrender the only option???? How about everyone in this country getting on the same side and beating these radicals once and for all, isn''t that a solution? Sadly, Americas political divide will never allow some to condone fighting back and their hatred for America policies and it''s president is the only reason needed to justify their pascifism and denial.

[singingrick]

notblue


You find those WMD''s yet? How bout that yellow cake?

No?

Well, keep looking.


lol!

[sevenveils]

more than 4.5 million Palestinians were forced out of their homes and lands without compensation. Is this Terrorism? - lovegetpeace

Your facts are off. These people decided because of propaganda and fear to leave their homes for refugee camps that still exist today. They were never forced by UN or Israeli forces to move. At this period in time, with the exception of Jewish and Muslim terrorist organizations, Jews and Muslims mostly lived in peaceful existence.

[sevenveils]

What do the Americans have that makes you think we can beat those country loving people against invaders? - Rowdy Texan2

LOL, hardly believe you have a texas bone in your body. The Americans have the support ofthe Afghanistan people all who are tired of the fanatic ways and the murder and torture that follows the Taliban and al Qaeda. Did you know the taliban recently tortured then hung a boy with a string because they found an american dollar in his pocket?

[notblue]

singingrick, so I suppose your trying to make some point?? Obviously you couldn''t address this article which means as usual all you have is some move.on jingoism. If you want quotes from your beloved Dems prior to the Iraq invasion about Sadam''s WMD''s I will provide those again not that you will ever respond to them. People like you purposely forget what the Dems said before the invasion, it makes it easier for people like you to believe your own moronic rationalizations, andcontinue your agenda of hate for Bushand Americas policies. Don''t fret though clear thinking adult Americans remeber what the DEMS ahve stated as well as the Republicans before Iraq. And in 08 will remeber what these same DEMS are stating now as well, too bad there are enough morons on the left with no memories to support the TRUE liars.

[notblue]

singinrick, these people attack the messenger when they have no valid to rebuttle. I''m on your side dude, have a good day!

notblue

[rowdytexan2]

What do the Americans have that makes you think we can beat those country loving people against invaders? - Rowdy Texan2

LOL, hardly believe you have a texas bone in your body. The Americans have the support ofthe Afghanistan people all who are tired of the fanatic ways and the murder and torture that follows the Taliban and al Qaeda. Did you know the taliban recently tortured then hung a boy with a string because they found an american dollar in his pocket?


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Posted by sevenveils at 01:46 PM : Feb 18, 2008

Yes, I do...hard to believe that it was US money that supported Talibans and built them up, isn''t it?

Our friend is now our enemy...because of greed.

[poopusbuttus]

sevenveils,

There''''s no rationalizing with the irrational (RowdyTexan2). She is bound and determined to blame every single issue in the world on Bush and America, regardless of the subject.

It happens to be the same rhetoric that OBL and Mahmoud Ahmadenijad preach all the time, as well, ironically (or not!)


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Posted by singinrick


Agreed. ROWDYDUMMY is a palestinian. Self admitted, mind you.

[rowdytexan2]

Posted by poopusbuttus at 02:21 PM : Feb 18, 2008

Hi Poopusbutthead! You big dummy...supported Kosovo did ya, not knowing they were all Muslims that you hate!

You big dummy!!! Hahahahaha!

[poopusbuttus]

Hi Poopusbutthead! You big dummy...supported Kosovo did ya, not knowing they were all Muslims that you hate!

You big dummy!!! Hahahahaha!


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Posted by RowdyTexan2


Oh, I dont hate all muslims ROWDYDUMMY. Just the ones that blow up innocent civilians.

[rowdytexan2]

Posted by singinrick at 02:19 PM : Feb 18, 2008

Strange, isn''t it...that it''s the far religious right in America breeding hate...but there ya go!

[rowdytexan2]

Oh, I dont hate all muslims ROWDYDUMMY. Just the ones that blow up innocent civilians.


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Posted by poopusbuttus at 02:29 PM : Feb 18, 2008

Well, you''re supporting these ones...the only reason that they want a separate country is to get away from the Christians in Serbia and practice their Sharia law.

[rowdytexan2]

Who was it you said was breeding hate again?

Try looking in the mirror buddy.


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Posted by singinrick at 02:31 PM : Feb 18, 2008

You don''t see me promoting that it is right to go over and genocide another people to get their oil, like you do.

You promote hate, Singinrick...I don''t need to look in the mirror when I can see your posts.

[rowdytexan2]

The Jesus I know would be ashamed of your hatred, Singinrick...

[poopusbuttus]

Hi Poopusbutthead! You big dummy...supported Kosovo did ya, not knowing they were all Muslims that you hate!

You big dummy!!! Hahahahaha!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by RowdyTexan2


Not promoting hate? Yes, Jesus would not be proud of you, ROWDY

[notblue]

rowdytexan, you people love to think America invades these countries for oil. Do you think the 911 hijackers give a *** about oil. America is the oil suppliers best customer. Do you think the Taliban and other terrorists hiding out in the boarder region between Afhanistan and Pakistan care about oil?? It''s time you people come up with some new lies, the old ones just don''t make any sense after 911.

[lovegetpeace]

Hay Singingrick,
Why do you change the subject? Do you have any rebuttals in your intelligence?

[hungry1968]

Posted by TruthBeTold- at 04:47 PM : Feb 18, 2008




Ironic to say the least.

One of the biggest liars and rumor mongers on these boards carries the moniker "truth be told".

[rowdytexan2]

Posted by notblue at 02:45 PM : Feb 18, 2008

Yes, 9/11 was caused/allowed in house! By Saudi hired mercenaries.

And yes, Middle Eastern countries care about their oil, and don''t want it stolen from them!

And yes, some don''t care about the oil...they just want to live in peace like we were doing when we brought Al Queda into Iraq.

Now you guys can live your lives afraid of the boogieman all you want to. But there are millions of Muslims living in this world in peace. And I refuse to live my life afraid of a few! The only ones I need to be afraid of are those who would kill for greed.

[rowdytexan2]

You people can follow Bush straight into hell if you want to. There aren''t that many of you anymore! And if you don''t like our refusal to fight for the Bushes oil, get the hell out! Go over there and fight it!

[rowdytexan2]

Hay Singingrick,
Why do you change the subject? Do you have any rebuttals in your intelligence?


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Posted by lovegetpeace at 04:23 PM : Feb 18, 2008

Because he''s the biggest hypocrit on the boards. He comes in here claiming to be a Christian who supports going to Iraq and genociding their people for oil!

A total far right nutcase!

[iceman_1960]

"I prefer liberty with danger to peace with slavery. ~Author Unknown"
- Posted by terrorislam9 at 02:50 PM : Feb 18, 2008

That author definitely wasn"t Mitt Romney, who once said:

"And I hear from time to time people say, hey, wait a second, we have civil liberties we have to worry about. ["Liberty with danger"] But don''t forget the most important civil liberty I expect from my government is my right to be kept alive ["peace with slavery"], and that"s what we"re going to have to do."
- Mitt Romney, Fox News, Republican Presidential Candidate Debate, Durham, NH, 9/5/07

[iceman_1960]

"You people can follow Bush straight into hell if you want to."
- Posted by RowdyTexan2 at 06:15 PM : Feb 18, 2008

Not me.

I"m going to follow Barack Obama straight to Utopia.

[jwind11]

America wants to know: where''''s the media coverage on this???? We deserve to hear the truth!

Posted by TruthBeTold

you dont want truth or you wouldnt be on these boards

[iplaydrums17]

"You''''re a nutcase Floyd, a genuine, bonified nutcase."

wow rick, check your words here. what is accomplished by calling someone a nutcase? regardless of floyd''s opinion (ideals only floyd may hold dear) consider that those words are up there for everyone to read. I wasn''t even a registered commenter until saw this conversation.
in regard to "Muslims that blow themselves up and kill innocent people every day ARE MANIACS" i would like to say that the ones doing the blowing up are a small faction of extremists. rhetoric is crucial here because it seems to me that you are calling some of my Muslim friends suicide bombers. may i remind you of the crusades when so called christ-folllowers made the most embarassing move of the millenia to rake thru the Muslim world destroying them in the name of jesus. the jesus i serve changes lives by the power of grace and mercy and unconditional love not by making crass generalizations and name calling.