For a nation looking to rid itself of "foreign aggressors", the blaze that burned at a Kabul hotel yesterday signalled more than just a single attack.
The killing of at least 12 people at the Intercontinental raises further questions about the country's ability to protect itself, from itself. In a twist of macabre irony, the hotel was packed with guests in town for a security conference to discuss - what else? - the transition to Afghan-led security.
That discussion might seem an exercise in futility. And yet, it's something that every nation with a stake in Afghanistan's future must immediately consider.
The recent spate of Taliban attacks in Kabul has more to do with a propaganda strategy than military tactics. The insurgents are always killed or repelled, but the statement is made: the Taliban can attack when and where they choose, President Hamid Karzai cannot even control his capital, foreign forces are all that ensure security. That is what the Taliban would have us believe.
Nato forces reported that Afghan security forces responded "incredibly well" to this new attack. But the fact that it took a Nato helicopter gunship to finally defeat the attack speaks volumes about the inadequacy of the Afghan forces on their own.
International observers have warned for years of the deficiencies endemic in Afghan police and army units. More serious than concerns about capability, perhaps, are ones about professionalism. Oxfam International and others have often warned that Afghan security forces are still seen in some regions as little more than government-sanctioned armed gangs. Allegations of child abuse, torture and extortion at the hands of uniformed police are common.
As Nato forces move to the rear, the training of Afghan units will be the single most important factor in the country's future. Building every aspect of security operations, from counterterrorism to military justice, will take a long-term commitment from international partners. It may also be the only way to leave behind any semblance of stability.
Much has been made of peace talks with Taliban factions. This recent attack is a reminder that there will be elements who will not lay down their arms. But the Taliban have been defeated in encounter after encounter - with proper support, Afghan security forces should have the edge.
How to become a Boglehead
Bogleheads follow simple investing philosophies to build their wealth and live better lives. Just follow these steps.
• Spend less than you earn and save the rest. You can do this by earning more, or being frugal. Better still, do both.
• Invest early, invest often. It takes time to grow your wealth on the stock market. The sooner you begin, the better.
• Choose the right level of risk. Don't gamble by investing in get-rich-quick schemes or high-risk plays. Don't play it too safe, either, by leaving long-term savings in cash.
• Diversify. Do not keep all your eggs in one basket. Spread your money between different companies, sectors, markets and asset classes such as bonds and property.
• Keep charges low. The biggest drag on investment performance is all the charges you pay to advisers and active fund managers.
• Keep it simple. Complexity is your enemy. You can build a balanced, diversified portfolio with just a handful of ETFs.
• Forget timing the market. Nobody knows where share prices will go next, so don't try to second-guess them.
• Stick with it. Do not sell up in a market crash. Use the opportunity to invest more at the lower price.
BORDERLANDS
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis
Director: Eli Roth
Rating: 0/5
Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
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The 24-man squad:
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool), Koen Casteels (VfL Wolfsburg).
Defenders: Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham), Thomas Meunier (Paris Saint-Germain), Thomas Vermaelen (Barcelona), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham), Dedryck Boyata (Celtic), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City).
Midfielders: Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United), Axel Witsel (Tianjin Quanjian), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Nacer Chadli (West Bromwich Albion), Leander Dendoncker (Anderlecht), Thorgan Hazard (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Youri Tielemans (Monaco), Mousa Dembele (Tottenham Hotspur).
Forwards: Michy Batshuayi (Chelsea/Dortmund), Yannick Carrasco (Dalian Yifang), Adnan Januzaj (Real Sociedad), Romelu Lukaku (Manchester United), Dries Mertens (Napoli).
Standby player: Laurent Ciman (Los Angeles FC).
Donating your hair
• Your hair should be least 30 cms long, as some of the hair is lost during manufacturing of the wigs.
• Clean, dry hair in good condition (no split ends) from any gender, and of any natural colour, is required.
• Straight, wavy, curly, permed or chemically straightened is permitted.
• Dyed hair must be of a natural colour
The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
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BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
Jawan
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'Champions'
Director: Manuel Calvo
Stars: Yassir Al Saggaf and Fatima Al Banawi
Rating: 2/5
The%20specs
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