A reporter’s encounter with terror

I was already five minutes late for an 11 a.m. interview at the US Consulate here. As I hurried towards the reception area, a young man wear...

I was already five minutes late for an 11 a.m. interview at the US Consulate here. As I hurried towards the reception area, a young man wearing a tunic and trousers approached me.

He asked: ‘‘This is the American Embassy?’’ As I responded ‘‘yes’’ and continued on my way, he fired another urgent query: ‘‘Do you know if the offices are on right or left side of the building?’’ I ignored him and entered the consulate but couldn’t stop thinking about him and his questions.

As the receptionist was making an intercom call to tell my host I had arrived, there was an explosion. She quickly to switch on the emergency alarm. Soon a cloud of dust billowed into the reception room and five staff members emerged from the American Cultural Center and described the damage inside.

As I returned home, I found myself thinking about the young man I had encountered. Did he become a victim of the horrific terrorist act, or was he the executioner? (LATWP)

Canada, UK and Australia formally recognise a Palestinian state

World11 hr ago

The UK, Canada, and Australia have recognized Palestine as a state, going against the US and Israel's opposition. British PM Starmer aims to revive peace without Hamas and hostage release. Canada and Australia also recognize Palestine, condemning terrorism. Over 145 UN members recognize Palestine, with France likely to join soon.

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