Terrorist in drag killing children in Afghanistan

AP:

Calling militant attacks "cowardly work," President Hamid Karzai on Wednesday deplored a suicide bombing that killed 12 children and accused the fighters of running from battle by donning women's clothing.

Speaking in a measured tone, Karzai said the purported "bravery" of militants consisted killing "innocent people and children."

"Whenever there is pressure on them, they escape under a woman's burqa," said Karzai.

He did not explain that comment but could have been referring to past reports of Taliban militants in Afghanistan wearing the identity-concealing robe to flee detection. Also, more recently, Abdul Aziz, the leader of a besieged mosque in Pakistan, was captured last week trying to slip out dressed in a burqa and high heels.

Karzai called reporters to the presidential palace to condemn Tuesday's suicide bombing in Uruzgan province that killed 17 people, including 12 students. The attack in a crowded market wounded more than 30 people, including eight Dutch soldiers whom the attacker apparently had targeted.

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This is something we need to do more of in the media battle space. Holding the enemy up to ridicule is important in shaping the debate and turning their conduct into an issue. It builds support for our side and tears down the other. We definitely need more to this.