UN blames 10 for security lapse in Algiers bombing

An independent panel said Wednesday that 10 U.N. officials should face reprimands or disciplinary action because of security lapses ahead of the deadly bombing of U.N. headquarters in Algeria. The car bombing at U.N. offices and another government building killed 17 U.N. staffers and wounded 40 on Dec. 11. Al-Qaida in Islamic North Africa claimed responsibility and called the U.N. offices "the headquarters of the international infidels' den." The other site targeted that day was Algeria's Constitutional Council. A five-member panel headed by Ralph Zacklin, a former U.N. assistant secretary-general for legal affairs, cited broad weaknesses in the U.N.'s security operations, including "significant lapses in judgment and experience" by top personnel. They were not named. The bombings have added to the U.N.'s increasing worry... [read full story]