7 Dead, 91 Hurt in Blast Near Kabul NATO HQ

A suicide car bomb exploded early today outside the main gate of NATO's headquarters, killing seven and wounding 91 in the biggest attack in the Afghan capital in six months.  The bomber evaded several rings of Afghan police and detonated his explosives on the doorstep of the international military headquarters, sending the message that the Taliban can attack anywhere as Afghans gear up for their second-ever direct presidential election in just 5 days.

Bloodied and dazed Afghans wandered the street after the blast, and children—many of whom congregate outside the NATO gate to sell gum to Westerners—were among the wounded. "I was drinking tea in our office when a big explosion happened," said an Afghan injured in the strike. "I lay on the ground and then I saw wounded victims everywhere, including police and civilians." (More Kabul stories.)