Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Global Violence Surge: Mosque Bombing, Salon Attack, University Clashes

2/7/2026

48 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, killed 31 people and injured 169, with officials suggesting possible involvement by the Islamic State (ISIS).
In Grenoble, France, two masked men carried out a grenade attack at a beauty salon, injuring six people, including a child.
In Thessaloniki, Greece, police detained 313 individuals after a clash at Aristotle University in which riot police were attacked with Molotov cocktails.

History

Historical Context

The 2003 Iraq War, initiated under the pretext of combating terrorism, led to significant global instability. Following the invasion, the U.S. State Department reported a 50% increase in terrorist attacks worldwide. The chaos in Iraq fostered the rise of groups like ISIS, exacerbating sectarian violence and influencing terrorism in regions such as Pakistan, with lasting implications for international security.

1 of 2

Story summary

A suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, killed 31 people and injured 169, with officials suggesting possible involvement by the Islamic State (ISIS).
In Grenoble, France, two masked men carried out a grenade attack at a beauty salon, injuring six people, including a child.
In Thessaloniki, Greece, police detained 313 individuals after a clash at Aristotle University in which riot police were attacked with Molotov cocktails.

1 / 2