Eh-hum # 186

Hmmm...a Taliban comeback in Afghanistan? Seems like it. Though I do not think they will be able to regain the influence they had pre-US invasion. Nonetheless, they are still a force to be reckoned with. Its so unfortunate that this had to happen to people who are doing medical and volunteer work in the country.

South Korean hostage killed by Taliban
By AMIR SHAH, Associated Press Writer 9 minutes ago

Afghan police found the bullet-riddled body of one of 23 South Koreans held hostage by Taliban kidnappers, and officials scrambled Thursday to save the others.

An Afghan police chief ruled out using force to free the remaining captives and said that Afghan negotiators were speaking with the Taliban over the phone, hoping to secure their release.

Because of a recent spike in kidnappings — including an attempt against a Danish citizen Wednesday — police barred foreigners from leaving the Afghan capital without their permission.

South Korea said Thursday it would not tolerate the killing of an innocent civilian and vowed the kidnappers would be held accountable. It demanded the immediate release of the remaining hostages.

Read the rest of the article here.