DESTINATIONS

Bin Laden House a Tourist Attraction?

Pakistan official says it could boost economy.

Could there soon be a gift shop in Osama bin Laden’s former Pakistan compound? A regional government official, stumped at what to do with the fallen al Qaeda leader’s now-famous lair, has suggested turning the house into a tourist attraction. “One thing we’re hoping is that more tourists will come to visit now… This could be a blessing in disguise,” Abbottabad’s assistant coordination officer told The Wall Street Journal, citing economic benefits. Already, large crowds have gathered around the place, making local police uneasy. In fact, a senior police official in the area said he wants to see the structure burned down immediately. The tourist-friendly outcome would seemingly not be favored by the U.S., either—bin Laden was buried at sea partly so that his grave would not become a shrine for followers.