Afghan President Criticizes Militants

President Hamid Karzai called militant attacks cowardly work. He 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, he said the purported "bravery" of militants consisted of killing innocent people and children. Whenever there is pressure on them, they escape in women's burqas. He didn't explain that comment, but past reports of Taliban militants in Afghanistan wearing the identity-concealing robe to flee detection. Also, the leader of a besieged mosque in Pakistan was captured last week trying to slip out dressed in a burqa and high heels.