DEAD END:

Suicide bomber kills at least five outside of Tel Aviv nightclub (AP, 2/25/05)

A Palestinian suicide bomber blew himself up in a crowd of young Israelis waiting outside a nightclub near Tel Aviv's beachfront promenade just before midnight Friday, killing up to five people, wounding dozens and shattering an informal Mideast truce.

About 20 to 30 people were waiting to get into the Stage club on Herbert Samuel street, close to the promenade. "I was near the club. There were about 20 people outside. Suddenly, there was an enormous explosion," said a witness, identified only as Tsahi.

There were conflicting reports of who was behind the attack. Israeli media said the militant group Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility.

NPR is reporting that Islamic Jihad says they did it. At any rate, it's a perfect opportunity for Israel to say that Palestine now has a democratic government that represents its people and has foresworn violence while Islamic Jihad represents no one but bitter-enders whose day has passed. Marginalize them even further.

Posted by Orrin Judd at February 25, 2005 6:48 PM