Jerusalem Suicide BombingA Palestinian police officer detonated a bomb aboard a bus on Jan. 29, killing himself and 10 others. The explosion wounded more than 45 people and left body parts in living rooms nearby. This was the deadliest Palestinian attack in almost four months.

Arizona Prison Standoff End

Two inmates of the Arizona state prison system took corrections officers hostage, resulting in a standoff that lasted fifteen days. The inmates surrendered on Feb. 1, after releasing their second hostage. This was one of the first prisoner standoffs in U.S. history.

Dow Falls as Statement Gets Reworded

The Dow closed at 1.3 percent on Jan. 28 when the Federal Reserve released a statement on monetary policy. The statement re-worded a previous promise to hold rates steady for a “considerable period,” to saying they would be “patient” in keeping rates low. The federal interest rate is currently at 1 percent, the lowest rate in 45 years.

Iraqi Intelligence Agency Beginning

Americans announced Jan. 30 that Iraqi authorities are creating an intelligence service to find guerrilla fighters. The service will probably receive financing from the American government. It is expected that the agency will be establish when the Bush administration transfers sovereignty to an Iraqi government on June 30.