But there are many Arab Christians, eg 40% of Lebanese are Arab Christians. The only sure way is to make a note of which passengers choose the flight’s cheese sandwich option over the ham sandwich option.

Alas, it seems to be so deeply into “political correctness” that it has difficulty dealing with the realities of the situation – that the threat is not from ‘Americans’ per-se, but from young ‘arab’ males holding passports from ANY nation.

Scrutinize them, in a civilized way of course, and stop treating *everyone* like islamist terrorists.

And here we always thought Denmark was one of the worlds most sensible nations ….. my grandparents must be turning in their graves …….

Indeed, although the pencil test is a more recent established legal precedent.

“I do, however, have a serious problem with the idea of institutionalised racial profiling”

Religious profiling would be the most effective in this instance, but the authorities are reduced to relying on the correlation of a particular religion with certain racial traits.

I do, however, have a serious problem with the idea of institutionalised racial profiling. Tougher visa requirements for all US citizens entering the EU, or nothing at all!

I believe established legal precedent is the one-drop rule?

Actually, depending on how they’re structuring it, there really is no difference between this and any other screening. So if you snip the headline and the first paragraph, which may be the result of editorialising, there’s little to complain about.