target attribute of anchor tags

    When validating a page I was working on last night, I noticed something a little odd.  My page ( http://www.cs.iupui.edu/~dsterry/n307/index.html ) validates fine on HTML 4.01 - Strict except the TARGET attribute of any anchor tags I used.  I realize it will validate under HTML 4.01 - Transitional with the TARGET attributes there, but it seems odd to me that such a basic thing does not conform to the standards.  Other than resorting to JavaScript, there is no other way to insure that a link will open in a new window as is often desirable for outside links without using a TARGET="_blank" attribute.  Why would this not be allowed as part of the HTML 4.01 - Strict spec?  I can understand nearly all of the compliance rules in the validate, but just not this one.  Why is it there and does it really need to be?


  "I assure you that all who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life.  They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already been passed from death into life."
  ---  John 5:24  ---