Terror Concerns Vie With Joy to Usher in ’04

An underlying threat of terrorism in Britain and Israel and a bombing in Indonesia provided a grim counterpoint to the high spirits greeting 2004.

In Indonesia’s restive Aceh province, a blast at a crowded market killed nine New Year’s Eve revelers and injured 46 others, a doctor and other witnesses said today.

Celebrations were happier in Australia, where Sydney’s famous harbor was alight with colorful fireworks. Still, a tactical response team scoured the streets of Sydney, looking out for everything from drunken revelers to any security threats.

In Israel, the threat of terrorism prompted even greater security efforts than usual. Police said Wednesday that reinforcements were patrolling nightspots in Tel Aviv during celebrations, days after Israeli security officials warned of the possibility of a major New Year’s attack.

In Paris, about 4,500 police officers and soldiers patrolled the streets. The police presence was strong around the Champs-Elysees, the famous boulevard where crowds gathered.

London’s Metropolitan Police said there was a “high state of alert” but no specific threats.

For many in Britain, the weather appeared a more immediate threat. In Scotland, where the “Hogmanay” revels are legendary, high spirits fought back against driving rain and high winds. But in the end, Edinburgh canceled its events.