The rebellion of Padshah Khan Zadran in Eastern Afghanistan appears to have failed for the moment. The disaffected warlord, who has vowed to overthrow Karzai, had rockets fired into the middle of Khost. He was trying to take the city from Governor Muhammad Hakim Tanival, Karzai's appointee.

Tanival's forces have fought off the challenge. But when you have to fight for your governorship in this way, it is not exactly a sign of stability. Why doesn't the US intervene against Zadran? He has been talking treason for months and now he is causing bloodshed.