KABUL: A car bomber has struck outside a NATO base in the Afghan capital Kabul, injuring three foreign soldiers and three Afghan civilians. The bomber targeted a coalition vehicle near Camp Phoenix, where Afghan forces are trained, Afghan officials said.

The Taliban said it carried out the suicide bombing.

British officials have, meanwhile, suggested reconciliation between the Afghan government and parts of the Taliban leadership within two years. Ministers have previously talked of the need for the reintegration of Taliban foot soldiers and local commanders.

Putting in place the right combination of carrot and stick, at the right moment, will be critical to changing the calculations of individual commanders and their men

But the memo recommends a wider dialogue within a specific time-frame of two years - including a

settlement between the Afghan government and parts of the Quetta Shura, the Taliban’s governing body.