KABUL — Christmas came early to Afghanistan’s capital city this week, as the war-weary local populace enjoyed the opening of the City Park amusement center. The park lasted an unprecedented 13 hours before being ripped apart by a wave of violence, including Taliban suicide bombers and a subsequent three-day battle that wiped out the remaining die-hard insurgents, along with all the good rides.

“It was truly a wonderful experience. My family enjoyed the chance to forget about the bullets and bombs for the afternoon,” said Mohammed Abdul Kasim, a bicycle repair shop owner who lost two of his wives and three children in the ensuing violence.

The Pirates of the Horn Of Africa ride was unharmed, sources said.