According to separate reports there were two suicide bombings, March 5, 2012.

One took place in eastern Nangarhar Province, in Jalalabad city.  Local officials say as many as 13 people were killed, including civilians and police.  No group has claimed responsibility.

Then in Parwan Province, a suicide bomber tried to attack the U.S./NATO/ISAF airbase at Bagram.  The bomber targeted a NATO vehicle.  Two civilians were killed. The reports claim the “Taliban” took responsibility, and said it was vengeance for the U.S. burnings of Qur’ans.

It’s been revealed, that last week several Afghans were arrested trying to assassinate several Afghan politicians.  Officials with the National Directorate for Security of Afghanistan, say those arrested are claiming they were hired by the Iranian Republican Guards Corps.

Some Iranian officials point out that the Afghan politicians making the claim are pro-U.S. and are trying to create justifications to keep U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

March 5, Afghan officials say the United States has canceled upcoming security talks. The cancellation comes after Afghan President Hamid Karzai demanded the United States/NATO/ISAF stop night time home invasions, and turn over all U.S. controlled prisons to Afghanistan!

Some reports say U.S. officials told Karzai that it was “technically unfeasible” to meet his demands!  (just another way to say ‘beatings will continue until moral improves’)

Over the weekend:  The governor of Kunar Province was attacked. His motorcade was shot at, but no one was hurt. No group is claiming responsibility.

About 30 tons of opium and alcohol were burned by the Afghan Interior Ministry officials in southern Kandahar Province.  200 people were arrested!  Despite claims pushed by U.S. officials (that opium is used to pay for militant operations) tribal elders say poverty is the main motive behind the opium cultivation.

Also, Afghan government forces launched a major military operation that spanned several provenances.  The operations were conducted at Nangarhar, Kandahar, Baghlan and Helmand provinces.  They say dozens of militants were killed, wounded and/or arrested.  At lest five Afghan soldiers were killed.