Stepped-up screening targets fliers from 'terror-prone' lands

[Are_grits_groceries]

All travelers flying to the United States from other countries will face increased random screening, and all passengers from more than a dozen terrorism-prone nations will be patted down and have their carry-on bags searched, under new rules the Obama administration said will take effect Monday morning.
<snip>
The department's Web site lists Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria as state sponsors of terrorism. A senior administration official identified the following as terrorism-prone nations or countries of interest to U.S. intelligence agencies: Afghanistan, Algeria, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and Yemen.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/03/AR2010010301784.html?hpid=topnews

This is so stupid on a number of levels. The terrorists now know what countries to avoid. They may have to make some adjustments, but they will.

In addition, studies have shown that searching 'every' passenger isn't as effective as random searches. This holds true in a lot of other areas. It is the uncertainty of being searched that is the deterrent. If I know that I WILL be searched, I won't bother to try something. The TSA agents will be using time and effort better spent elsewhere.

They also need to do something about the length of the watch list.

Edit: If other countries employ this tactic, don't be surprised if the US ends up on the list. With people spreading 'kill the gays' messages, Xe agents out and about, and Yoo, Addington, and all the rest free, I'd screen us too. Inhofe wouldn't have gotten to Copenhagen.

[uponit7771]

1. What scares most RayGun voters is the terrorist can attack America very cheaply and without much...

...human resources or chest thumping.

I say RayGun voters cause it seems folk who voted for him are still scared of their shadows now and are willing to take any measure to defend themselves

[Fleshdancer]

2. Can someone explain to me why Cuba is on the list?

How is Cuba a state sponsor of terrorism?

[hobbit709]

3. we're the biggest "terror prone" land there is.