Riz Khan - Airport apartheid? - 7 Jan 10 - Part 2

The new airport security measures introduced by the US government are already coming under fire. Full-body pat downs, extra luggage scrutiny as well as mandatory body scanning, have all been proposed. They are a response to the foiled bombing of an US airliner on Christmas Day but have been criticised as an overtly political reaction to the attempt. While its impact is worldwide, it will be felt more by citizens of Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria, all labelled "state sponsors of terrorism". Those associated with 10 other countries designated by the US as "of interest" such as Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan can also expect the special treatment. Washington's decision has triggered complaints from anti-discrimination groups who say President Obama's response to security threats amounts to little more than racial profiling. But defenders of the policy say it is designed to keep the skies safe, and is a careful way of targeting those who are most likely to pose a threat.