Pakistan bomb greets Clinton

PESHAWAR, Pakistan, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- A huge car bomb exploded in a market area of Peshawar, Pakistan, killing at least 80 and injuring more than 200 as U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived for talks.

Bombings have increased in Pakistan in recent weeks as militants retaliate against the Pakistani army's push against their strongholds in South Waziristan.

Clinton's three-day visit is intended to bolster Pakistan's commitment to the offensive and offer further aid. She will also address the growing anti-Americanism among Pakistanis who see themselves as victims of the violence from an American war.

South Waziristan and the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan are staging areas for insurgents in Afghanistan. Success in Afghanistan depends on controlling these areas.

Meanwhile in Kabul, Afghanistan, gunmen attacked a well-defended guest house killing six U.N. workers and three Afghans. The Afghan Taliban are committed to disrupting the presidential run-off election due to be held in 10 days.

Fifty-five U.S. soldiers have died in Afghanistan this month, making it the deadliest month to date as polls show declining U.S. support for the war.