Suicide bomber targets American Consulate in Osaka

A diminutive suicide bomber failed in his attempt to blow up the American Consulate in Osaka today. Authorities concluded from the bomber's probable Asian origins, abundant facial hair, lack of any documentation, the absence of an ipod containing American pop music, and the fact that the bomber had been seen outside a halaal restaurant several days earlier, that the would-be bomber was a radical Islamist. The botched nature of bombing attempt bore a eerie resemblence to recent such attempts in other countries including the United Kingdom. Authorities are investigating possible links to Al Qaeda.

Evidently the bomber was trying to enter the American Consulte through the grating in the street beside the heavily guarded building. The bomber got stuck in the grating and succeeded in committing suicide; however, no explosive devices were detonated. There were no other casualties or damage to the American Consulate or nearby structures. The fact that no explosive devices have yet been located, suggest that the bomber could have had an accomplice, who may strike again at any time. Authorities are making every attempt to determine if the would-be bomber was part of a homegrown plot or had been indoctrinated outside of Japan.

Passersby who noticed the little scene in the street seemed quite shocked that something like this could happen in this peaceful metropolis in western Japan. Citizens see this incident as part of the cost of supporting the United States in the war on terror in Iraq and expect an escalation in the coming months.