Bloodshed in Afganistan

Taliban insurgents attack two government buildings in Kabul, killing at least 19 people

MORE INFO:

The attacks also come at a time when the US is reviewing its strategy and discussing troop increases to the region.

Deborah Lutterbeck reports from Washington

STORY:

Bloodshed in Afghanistan.

Taliban insurgents attack two government buildings in Kabul, killing at least 19 people, in one of the most audacious attacks on the capital by the Islamist group since their ouster in 2001.

NATO's Brigadier General Richard Blanchette in Kabul was made available to Reuters by the Pentagon.

SOUNDBITE: NATO's Brigadier General Richard Blanchette, saying (English):

"These attacks were cowardly attacks because they were done in areas where there were civilians"

The attacks also come at a time when the US is reviewing its strategy and discussing troop increases to the region.

Malou Innocent of the Cato Institute.

SOUNDBITE: Malou Innocent of the Cato Institute, saying (English):

"The timing of the troops build up is increasingly critical because of the deteriorating security challenge within Afghanistan. However, many US policymakers and scholars are questioning the strategy of the mission, what do we hope to achieve."

The Obama Administration is expected to have a new Afghan strategy in place by April when NATO meets.

While there had been some hope that NATO would supply more troops to Afghanistan, increasingly analysts say - while there could be support - it is not likely to be boots on the ground.

If it looks like the US is carrying too much of the military burden in Afghanistan, that could pose problems at home.

SOUNDBITE: Malou Innocent of the Cato Institute, saying (English):

"If the US is increasing its own burden, whereas our NATO allies are not, I think we will see a decreasing political will and support to continue the mission."

The attacks came a day before Richard Holbrooke, the new U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, was expected to visit Kabul.

Deborah Lutterbeck, Reuters