Top Afghan Leader Assassinated

By Gabrielle Pffaflin

In Kabul, Tuesday, Former Afghanistan President, Burhanuddin Rabbani died after a suspected Taliban suicide bomber insisted on a face-to-face meeting to broker peace between the Afghan Government and the insurgents.

According to the Associate Press, the bomber claimed to be a top Taliban official and pursued a direct meeting with Rabbani for several days. On Tuesday, the head of the High Peace Council consented to a face-to-face meeting in his home to discuss the possibility of peace with Taliban insurgents.

The bomber, identified as Esmutullah detonated a bomb hidden in his turban when he bowed his head toward Rabbani’s chest during introductions.

Kabul Police Chief, General Mohammad Ayub Salangi suspects the Taliban organized the assassination, however Taliban Spokeman, Zabiullah Mujahid refused to comment.

Mujahid posted on the Taliban website Wednesday, “We are still gathering information on this. Right now our position is that we cannot say anything about this incident.”

U.S. led security forces said another attacker may have been involved, according to the Associated Press. This could not be confirmed by Afghan officials, however the assassin’s driver remains in custody.

Recent chaos, coupled with the diplomat’s death encourages international doubt whether the Afghan Government can secure the country and make peace with the insurgents.