Afghan troops were ready to save hostages

It was one of those, we were going to do it, then we started arguing who was going to drive and then Bobby couldn't find his car keys, I got a phone call and before you knew it we were watching The Simpsons and eating Doritos.

Afghan special forces called off a plan to rescue 23 Korean hostages soon after they were kidnapped by Taliban insurgents five weeks ago because the South Korean government intervened, the defense minister said on Saturday.

"No, no, don't save 'em. Let's let this drag on as long as possible."

The insurgents have killed two Korean hostages and have released two. Nineteen Koreans, 16 of them women, are still being held by the Taliban and talks to free them have stalled.

Honestly, I bet your first reaction would be "Why did the South Korean government stop a rescue attempt?" Well, we're talking about Afghan troops here who's "performance" level would put them just below being able to change a tire without killing some innocent people. So, you know, you're probably better off letting the Taliban have them and crossing your fingers.