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Airport Security Alert After London Terrorist Plot is Foiled
By Cartoon: Patrick Corrigan, The Toronto Star
Project: Cynthia Kirkeby, ClassBrain
Aug 11, 2006, 08:57 PST

© Cartoon: Patrick Corrigan, The Toronto Star
Project: Cynthia Kirkeby, ClassBrain


Airport Security Alert After London Terrorist Plot is Foiled

On August 10, 2006 Scotland Yard foiled a terrorist plot in London resulting in the arrest of 24 individuals. The suspects were all young Muslim men from 17 to 35. Five additional suspects are still being pursued. The plan to blow up 10 jetliners could have been as devastating in scope as the September 11th attacks on America in 2001.

The plot allegedly included the use of liquid explosive carefully concealed in everyday items that would have been all but impossible to detect. The unique approach to smuggling explosive materials has now caused a ban on all liquids, including gels and lotions. Items that cannot be carried onto a plane include:
  • beverages
  • shampoo
  • hand sanitizer
  • toothpaste
  • hair gel
  • suntan lotion
  • lotion
  • creams and most other liquid or gel-based items
  • Beverages purchased in the boarding area must be consumed before boarding.

Passengers can have most of those items in checked luggage.

Items still allowed on aircraft include:
  • baby formula, milk and juice (when traveling with a small child)
  • prescription medications (the label must match a passenger's boarding pass)
  • insulin and essential nonprescription medications.

    Most airports are screening at the security checkpoint and the gate. Carry-on bags are being searched. Passengers must remove their shoes for screening and many people are being physically patted down.


    Questions to Ponder

    • Are the new restrictions reasonable or excessive?

    • Since the terrorists were once again Middle eatern men between the ages of 17 and 35, is it time to use racial profiling as part of our strategy?

    • Why were the British able to uncover the plot before the US?

    • Will the foiling of this terrorist plot have a positive or negative effect on your political party?

    • Is there something more that we should be doing at the airports to help with security?

    • Is it safe to fly?


    Learning Links

    What happened? Some questions and answers
    Source: Sun-Sentinel

    No liquids, 2nd screening
    Learn what else you can and can not do at the airport.
    Source: IndyStar.com



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