Democracy on the march. Sunni/Shi’ite Jihad Update: “Officials say Iraqi forces foil 9/11-style plot,” by Qassim Abdul-zahra and Lara Jakes for Associated Press, April 14 (thanks to all who sent this in):
BAGHDAD – Iraqi security forces disrupted a 9/11-style plot by al-Qaida in Iraq to fly hijacked planes into Shiite religious shrines, Iraqi and U.S. officials said Wednesday.
Iraqi security officials said they temporarily shut down at least two airports and have arrested two men — one of the intended pilots and an airport worker — suspected in the plot, which appeared aimed at undermining the country’s stability while U.S. troops prepare to go home….
Airports in Baghdad and Najaf were shuttered last week as intelligence officials said they learned of the plot. The airport in Najaf remains closed because of its proximity to the gold-domed Imam Ali shrine, one of the most revered Shiite religious mosques in the world, one of the officials said….
Two senior Iraqi officials said al-Qaida planned to hijack flights as they were leaving Iraqi airports, prompting Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to order tighter screening — including searches of security forces and background checks of pilots and airline crews.
Passengers and airport workers also will undergo more rigorous searches, and VIP lanes that let officials breeze through lines will be discontinued, one of the Iraqi officials said….
What???? It’s…it’s profiling! It’s hate! Honest Ibe Hooper, call your office! This is a clear case of racism, bigotry, and the targeting of innocent Muslims by Islamophobic law enforcement officials!