Afghan Prez Escapes Assassination Attempt

One person was killed and 11 wounded in a Taliban attack this morning in Kabul aimed at assassinating Afghan President Hamid Karzai. The president escaped the rockets and gunfire unhurt. The attack occurred as Karzai, government ministers, foreign diplomats, and military top brass gathered for the 16th anniversary of the fall of the Afghan communist government. All diplomats and cabinet members were safe, according to officials.

Three Taliban fighters were killed in the attack and several were taken into custody. "Afghan and NATO authorities this year repeatedly said the Taliban are on the verge of annihilation,” a Taliban spokesman told Reuters. “Now it is has been proved the Taliban not only have the ability to operate in the provinces, but even in Kabul.” (More Hamid Karzai stories.)