Large explosion near hotel in Kabul

[IndianaGreen]

Source: AP

Dec 15, 12:27 AM EST

Large explosion near hotel in Kabul

KABUL (AP) -- A large explosion hit in the vicinity of a hotel in Kabul that is frequented by foreigners.

The blast struck near the Heetal Hotel in the city's Wazir Akbar Khan district at midmorning Tuesday.

Windows on nearby buildings were shattered and a large cloud of smoke rose from the area.

There was no immediate word on the cause of the explosion or casualties.

Read more: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AS_AFGHANISTAN?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2009-12-15-00-27-34

[IndianaGreen]

1. BBC: Loud blast rocks Afghan capital

Loud blast rocks Afghan capital

A loud explosion has rocked the centre of the Afghan capital, Kabul, reports and witnesses say.

Reports said that the blast happened in the city's high-security Wazir Akbar Khan area where many diplomats and foreigners live and work.

Windows on nearby buildings have been shattered and a cloud of smoke was seen from the area, the report said.

There is still no information about casualties or the cause of the explosion, reports say.

The explosion happened shortly before Afghan leader, President Hamid Karzai, opens a three-day conference on corruption, as he faces mounting Western pressure to curb the rampant problem in his country.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8413163.stm

[maryinthemorn]

2. Karzai has to step down or no reform will happen.

[Baclava]

3. The Surge is working.

{sarc}

[YouTakeTheSkyway]

4. Hasn't even started yet.