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Subscribe to RSSDefense Secretary Chuck Hagel received a not-so-warm welcome on his first trip to Afghanistan. NBC's Mike Taibbi reports.
KABUL - A suicide bomber blew himself up on the roadway outside the Afghan Defense Ministry in Kabul on Saturday, Afghan officials said.
At least 8 civilians were killed in the attack, and another six or seven wounded, according to Afghan officials. The attack took place during a visit by U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, but he was in another part of Kabul during the attack.
The attack was followed by small-arms fire, a spokesman for Afghanistan's NATO-led force, told Reuters. Other details remained vague, though Afghan officials believe it was one suicide attacker, either on foot or on a bicycle.
An International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) spokesman said Hagel was nowhere near the explosion. A defense official said Hagel "is in a safe and secure location" on an ISAF facility. All entry and exit points remained on lockdown there and no one was being allowed on or off the base.
"The Secretary was in a briefing when the incident occurred. The briefing continued as planned without interruption," Pentagon spokesman George Little said.
The attack underscored the security challenges facing Afghanistan as U.S.-led NATO forces prepare to leave the country by the end of 2014.
Related: Chuck Hagel in Afghanistan: 'We're still at war'
Reuters contributed to this report
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Certainly, a welcoming sign.
But what's the message?
It's baptism...for Hagel
It's a dangerous world out there.
Oh look fireworks ! is there a holiday celebration going on ? dum de dum de dum
Hey why is there guys running into bunkers ?
"At least 8 civilians were killed in the attack, and another six or seven wounded, according to Afghan officials. The attack took place during a visit by U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, but he was in another part of Kabul during the attack."
I was wondering the backgrounds of those civilians killed and wounded. Hope they are innocent ones!
After 12 years of battles for democracy, reconstruction, encouraging moderate elements with the help of strategic ally, Pakistan, it is only rocks, rocks, and bigger rocks.
At least, Hagel knows how to save himself!
Most of US DSs appear to be rolling, while it was rocking in Afghanistan!
we need to leave that sorry assed country...we owe them not a damn thing...obama...still ain't figured it out...
This is a clear message to the U.S that the Taliban are getting impatient to take back over.
Except perhaps a couple of cruise missiles, dropped from a few thousand feet, just to let the little darlings know that we haven't forgotten about them.
Man, what a f*cking monumental waste of lives, time and money.
It would not have been a waste if the government would have let the military commanders and the troops win in the 1st place.Our enemies there don't understand yappity yap politics like we do.The Taliban was out to win and no amount of talk or giving them money was going to substitute for military victory.Too bad we don't have the same will power they do.If we had it would have been over in months,not years.
I agree, never hurt the Taliban's cause that we telegraphed our defeat with a promise to pull out regardless of the situation on the ground from our illustrious president. Remember Vietnam? General Gaap, in his memoirs, admitted the Americans had won the ward and would have capitulated if we had continued our bombing of Hanoi for just a few more weeks, plus, after the Tet Offensive in '68, they were wiped out. However, they did realize they were winning the war at home with the help of the democrat party. Just like in Vietnam, we have won every battle in Afghanistan but because of our weak-kneed demorats in congress, we lose the war. I would agree it has been a momumental waste of time and money, particulary after the democrats were elected.
My policy is too never invade a sovereign country unless you plan to own it afterwards. That is to change the laws, culture, and eliminate all opposition however it emerges. Yes, I would agree that sounds ruthless but why else invade? Humanitarian reasons? Freaking please.
This "war" in unwinable, no matter how long we stayed there.
They mush be looking for more foreign aid, the Kabul troops get upset when U.S. tax dollars slow down !!!
What are they going to do when we are broke, "OOPS" I for got, we are broke !!!
Hello, now get out!!!
I just wonder if Fox News will cover this story 20 times a day for the next 6 months?
Somebody screwed up and they need to get to the bottom of it!
Remember eight people died.
But since they weren't Americans and since they can't stick it on Obama.
Faux News couldn't give a damn about this story.
Sean Hannity is flushing fox news down the toilet, turning fox into a Tabloid !!!
and shortly after the blast, a voice was heard from the heavens: "Damn I missed him!"
Nobody in the private sector could be as incompetent as Hagel (as evidenced in the confirmation hearing), and not only keep their job but get promoted.
PLEASE; would some one check this out; I received a e-mail from a good friend, retired Marine; he says he has valid information that the U.S. Defense dept has promoted Major Hassan(ft. hood killer of 13), to the rank of Lt. Colonel and given him a medal for mertiourous service, if this is true, then we are completely insane.
SOSDD. Just get the heck out and leave them NOTHING but a glass factory.
Torch, or dismantle beyond use, every piece of U.S. equipment BEFORE departing.
If TRUE, let's see what this administration and Mr. Canary says at a White House press briefing.
Maybe they will respond: "He was the victim".
Seriously The Duffel Blog needs to stop, it's making such fools out of conservatives and it's getting really sad.
http://www.duffelblog.com/2013/03/alleged-fort-hood-shooter-nidal-hasan-receives-promotion-legion-of-merit/#ixzz2Mzidxbr0
Promoting a home grown terrorist, and a US Military one at that. Just what the #ell is this country coming too. Preposterous!!!! Hang the B&st&rd with his promotion stuck up his @ss.
Sometimes I think the conservatives and republicans on this site are just trolls. Paid not by any conservative group but by NBC to say inflammatory things and take the most foolish side of a debate just to make the forum more "interesting". If they really are real people and this dumb we are in a lot of trouble.
Rich 954...... "Remember Vietnam? General Gaap, in his memoirs, admitted the Americans had won the ward and would have capitulated if we had continued our bombing of Hanoi for just a few more weeks, plus, after the Tet Offensive in '68, they were wiped out."
Never a shortage of armchair quarterbacks after every war.
The Hasan promotion was a spoof.
Hagel's appointment was a mistake. He was an honorable soldier but does not have the skills or views that equate to a Secretary of Defense. The Taliban will not assassinate him because they are pleased with his appointment. Hagel's appointment will put pressure on Kerry to perform, and I think he is up to the job. Hagel is a space filler, nothing more. A better choice would have been General McChrystal. He has the leadership skills, knows the military from the top down, knows the Middle East and has served both parties honorably.
Poor Hagel. After the beating he took in Congress, he decided to take a trip out of the country. Hell, even Afghanistan couldn't be half as hostile. Little did he know that McCain and Graham both have hot-lines to the Taliban.
John was furious. Stupid terrorists! He told Lindsey, "If you want a job done right, you have to do it yourself. We're leaving in the morning for Afghanistan". Lindsey burst into tears and wet his panties.
Look, these idiots take everything Limbaugh, Hannity, Beck, and Van Susterne says as Gospel, so hell, let the idiots believe the promotion of Hasan was real too. That's how they operate, knowingly throw @!$%# out there and see where it sticks, when they find the idiots it stuck to, than they know they have found NEW FOLLOWERS to stick more @!$%# on!!
That hagel dude looks like a LIL scared bitch in a hurry to board that C-17 to get the hell out of there. What a whimp, he really is a coward. But I'm sure he has no problem sending more of our troops to other places to kill or be killed. Yeah we have a lot of money when its to harm people, but when it comes to helping we don't. He's a piece of @!$%#.
When ever I read about suicide bombers I think of "Godfather part II" when in Cuba Vito sees a guy pulling the pin on the grenade to take the enemy out. He says his objection to the charade and the big boss pulls him aside and lectures him not to make people think everything isn't cool. What is my point? I don't know I am drunk. Sh!t his name isn't Vito but you know who I mean.
GM stonepipe. It was Michael that you're talking about.
A. Did you get my instructions??? ☺
B. Why wasn't I invited to the darned party???!!!! ☻
GM Chef AZ and Stone Pipe and a Big Howdy to you Chef AZ
Sounds loke Stonepipe is having a grand time! However, I caught his meaning of "keeping and looking like everything is cool", however, from my times in places like that, I still get the "pucker factor", if you catch my drift!
yeah...i'm headed to the 'Goodwill Store'...want to look cool...when i party...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9mmhh_wvkA
GM jack.
I'm glad. We all need a little of having a grand time!!! :) Hope your weekend is going well.
Hi bob. eeerrrr...think I'll pass on the thrift store trip.
Chef
Absolutely, here in B'bados the weather AND the Rum is "fine anytime of year"!
LOVE IT!!! ☺
I wish it were a grand time! I blew my knee out, took a couple of 'codones and about a half a jug. Owwwww! Jack, when you talk about that beautiful ocean and (It's been raining) all I see is slush (good drink in the summer) mud, ice and snow, I feel bad. :) Good for you, enjoy! Have a great day, must go to town and ramrod about twenty youngsters into doing the right thing. Again, I can't find a smiley face on my keyboard Chef!!! Bob, is that song my princess listens to-"I'm gonna bust some tags"? Got to admit it is catchy.
gm to all the usual suspects
stonepipe: Be careful going into town. Either 2 Vics or a half jug do me just fine, and I weigh 240.
chefaz: You may not have gotten an invitation (neither did I), but remember --- "Wherever I am .... is the party."
jack: Enjoy the rum. It's snowing in Denver, and I have to work. And remember, the pucker factor is your friend.
OK...more instructions...
Alt + 1 = ☺
Alt + 2 = ☻
Alt + 3 = ♥
BUT...
if you realize that you've make a mistake and try to fix it after you've posted, you will lose your smiley and get a short but unhappy mix of an "a" with a couple of symbols.
The point was that when people are willing to commit suicide for their cause and they are on their own soil, they are likely to win. I read an account by a helicopter pilot in Vietnam who had a similar epiphany when a barefooted Vietnamese farmer in shorts stepped out from hiding and started firing at him with an antiquated rifle in what was also clearly a suicidal act.
gm to one and all...
looks like we have to start the party without CD....
jack, with every drop of rain that falls I think of you and Barbados, those lovely days together on the beach in the warm sun, the nights by the bonfire...
oh....ummm.... never mind, that was my wild imagination fueled by my moldy fungus ridden brain brought on by the constant moisture of the rain as I hurriedly build my ark....
(Sorry I didn't make any serious contribution here but what is left to say at this point..)
"All entry and exit points remained on lockdown there and no one was being allowed on or off the base."
After NATO forces pull out (partial or full) in 2014, only entry points from and exit points to Pakistan will be there!
Paki Taliban will take over in no time.
Karzai and pals, who drained our tax monies, will be in Britain, France or some Western nation. You see: they helped us!
Then it will be back to pre-2001: battles between Islamic warriors like Taliban vs the rest (Northern Alliance led by Gen Dostum)!
For rest of the world, all entrys and exits from Afghanisan will be closed !
Is anyone reporting/bothering much on Iraq?
POTUS will be sending our tax $$ to the taliban after we leave n the taliban takes back over. It is sad, but a cultural thing. Always has been n always will be!
Dumbowski2: You see: Islamic holy warriors and their supporters may hate us most, but they love our monies, arms and anything given for free!
History has not seen worse free loaders and liabilities on societies, nation and world.
These curses on earth ruin their nations and just examine how they have been flocking to the US, Britain and West, most hated places!!!
Pigotry must have farted , she is such a pig . ! and a scumbag democrap !
Be glad it's not the 1930's or 40's.National Socialism was the NEW thing and the NEW deal in Germany.Everyone was supposed to get a job and a car and a house to park it by.The Nazis were the "yes we can party"of those decades.They were far from conservative when it came to change within the country and later in the countries they conquered.If you have doubts just read your history and see how the Germans reacted to"sweeping changes"as compared to the Weimar republic.
Cliff,
Is that all you bring to the table? Simple fart jokes from somebody to ignorant to think or come up with anything better. What are you? A 7th grader. Because if you are any older, you sure are one immature scum ... do like you name and jump off a cliff.
Steamie2010, S-U, get a life, it was funny, except to you democraps...
16 umms or ah's. Oh brother!
Is our goal to stabilize and have the country turn to peace? If so, we are failing miserably. Does it matter what country you are from who are among the dead? Soul is a soul. They are all precious. Let us leave now before more innocent lives are lost.
Amen, brother, truer words have never been spoken.
Hit The Road, Jack, Don't Come Back, No More, No More, No More,..................
GM George
I take umbrage to that remark! LOL, but good song, nonetheless.
We'll leave that country just like we left Iraq...a war torn nation that will never change. All the money and lives just wasted. How can our leaders, with all the intelligence we claim to possess, keep sending our men and women to these countries when the outcome is so easily predicted.
Anyone that has lost a loved one in either of these pointless wars, should be outraged. I hope the people that were ever fool enough to think we can win a conventional war against people that put so little value on life, look back at Iraq and Afghanistan and actually learn something from it.
Just think of all we have lost, and for what?
If one has allies like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan one does not need enemies.
In most of foreign policy talks and actions, oil rich Sunni rulers led by House of Saud, oil companies and their lobbyists call the shots.
Jewish lobby complicates them further!
If most of foreign policy thinking, talking, and actions are outsourced what is the use of all brilliant people inside the US, Britain and other allies?
Also examine oil price manipulations with one excuse or other!
I wonder if a few things are apparent to people. We have wasted tax payers hard earned money AND American lives and all for nothing. The Afghan,s will NEVER be our friends. They constantly fight one another! We sent them Stinger missiles to use against the Soviets and then they turned on us. Our politicians are sending OUR money and its being taken by corrupt Afghan,s who are using it to line their own pockets. Remember this. These people are NOT and will NEVER be our friends. They are of a different culture and ideaology. I just cant seem to understand why our idiotic politicians cant seem to know that for themselves and who allows them to maniplutate our money and send OUR sones and daughters, while their own are coddled and treated like royalty,to die in a far off land i would only use to let my dog defecate on !
"US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel was in another part of the city during the attack, but at least eight Afghan civilians were killed in a suicide bombing."
Very poor construction. "but at least" should be "unfortunately" because otherwise it sounds like the killings are appreciated.
Time to declare "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED" !
aaron lucic, That's what GWB said 12 years ago, "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED" and look what that got us, a depression !!!
I believe it was a recession, Obama is heading us towards a depression!!!
If that would have been Hillary, she would have swore she was under fire and come back with a twisted ankle. I remember when the mortar round landed three miles from her once. But, the media still thinks it's news.
Hell, did you hear, per the media, that she was under constant under sniper fire and had to be rushed from the tarmac to an awaiting vehicle to be taken to safety. This was just fictional lies from the liberal (communist) media to hype their story and to prop up the henchmen of this tyrannical administration.
Why in fuk do we continue to waist lives and tons of taxpayers cash in this primitive hellhole?
Nothings ever going to change there. GET THE FUK OUT.
I fuking HATE our diplomacy and worldwide azzkissing.
Psst, the Russians told us they have billions $$$ worth of natural resources to exploit; now they are laughing at us.
The russians have been laughing at us for a long time n with good cause! Someone should have told Mr Clueless Hagel about the war, b4 they sent him(better yet b4 they appt'd him) No wonder no one wanted him for the position.
One other thing, throw the fuking UN out of this country too.
Anyone here ever had roaches? If you have, then you know that you can't just select a few to kill, or exterminate.
We either need to lay waste to the ENTIRE country, or get the hell out. The entire country is anti-American, whether they are Taliban or not.
More Americans killed in the first 3 years of Obama, than the whole time Bush was in office.
Let's make this a 25year war and continue to play by rules of engagement in an attempt to civilize war.
BRING OUR TROOPS HOME,,, Put them on the borders
Let the animals kill themselves
Hey defendamericaforever...agree with you, have been posting the same reason for years.
Still do not understand why we still have troops in Europe
Because just like Japan the @!@$#@$^%# europeons are too cheap to pay for their own defense. We should cut europe and japan loose and let them go on their own.
LOl......this guy looks like some ex gym teacher sex offender........
Once U.S. defense contractors belly up to the taxpayer trough, it's very difficult to shake them away from it. It's easy money.
The Islamic terrorists were just out celebrating that they have a supporter as Secretary of State.
Slip of the tongue. I meant Secretary of Defense. But Islamic terrorists also have a friend as Secretary of State, and while we're at it, as President of the United States.
Everytime we get a new stooge in office and that stooge visits a country that hates us, he has a check in his hand for them. Kerry isn't in office two weeks and he gives hundreds of millions of our money to Egypts Morsi brotherhood. All our politicians should be in prison for wasting taxpayers money.
See Chuck. We shouldn't be there. Get us out NOW!
Hey Chuck...pssssst....Chuck....over here......were at war.
what they are really thinking...plus we got all that money... ya'll wasted try'n to rebuild buy'n more weapons...ya'll come see us again real soon...hear...
Hagel went there to get a feeling of what's going on. It should seem familiar. Only thing missing is rice paddies, palm trees, hot weather, and people in black pajamas. It's still all about the opium too, Chucky.
Hagel says, "We must finish what we started. Give people here a chance for a better life." He must've gotten that from Lyndon Baines Johnson, because, I heard it all a zillion times before in the 60's. How'd that one work out for us, Chucky ?
Chucky meets the Karzai Drug Cartel.` Film at 11.