Suspected airline terrorist to force delays and added security at airports

If you thought some day soon you might be able to board an airliner without taking off your shoes while going through security: Forgetaboutit! Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab of Nigeria has seen to that. He's the man now charged after an attempt to mix explosives to blow up a Delta/Northwest jet flying from Amsterdam to Detroit Christmas Day. Subdued by passengers he is now in FBI custody. In what has been a fast moving story the suspect claims he was doing it on behalf of the terrorist group Al Qaeda.
While Abdul Mutallab was not successful in his attempt, reaction to the "terrorist," attack as it is being called by US government officials, was swift as was reaction by some airlines. Powders will come under closer scrutiny since the explosive he used was a powdery substance. Canada was the first to announce new rules saying all passengers must remain in their seats for one hour before landing on flights entering the US. Security was immediately increased at all US airports by order of the White House and probes began in London where the suspect studied, and in Yemen where it is believed he obtained the explosives.
Additional immediate changes include the TSA being instructed to include body pat downs of all passengers flying into the United States. Homeland Security chief Janet Napolatano said Americans should expect increased security checks as the days unfold. Longer lines are expected as well.
KNX Newsman Charles Feldman, an aviation expert, said security does differ from country to country from what he's seen just recently.
"When I left Thailand recently the security check was very extensive but when I flew out of Rio it seemed almost non-existent by comparison," Feldman told this reporter. "They didn't even ask me to take out my laptop and I volunteered to do so."
Sriram is a native of India but a naturalized US citizen. He flies internationally and domestically often on business and said he has not seen much difference in checks in the US compared to Asia. He said laptops in China or Hong Kong always comes out for inspection. The incident is certainly bound to lead to not only increased security but probably profiling, whether intentional or not. As far as profiling goes?
Between convicted shoe bomber Richard Reid and suspected Nigerian bomber Abdul-Mutallab, the issue of profiling itself may change very quickly. While most everyone is a suspect it is likely security examiners will more closely keep an eye on certain individuals who might fit a profile over the general public.
26/12/09 Bob Brill/LA International Affairs Examiner, USA

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Categories: Airports Dec 2009, Foreign Dec 2009, Safety Dec 2009