BACKGROUND
The UK is to step up security at airports after a request to do so from the US based on intelligence reports that militant groups in the Middle East are preparing a new generation of non-metallic explosives that could be carried undetected on to commercial flights. ABC News quoted a defence source as saying the threat is “different and more disturbing” than previous plots, which involved explosives hidden in toothpaste, shoes and ink cartridges. The US is increasing security at its airports and has asked other countries to do the same. Read more >>
THE CARTOON
Today, July 4th, is Independence Day in the USA, and the cartoon, by Peter Brookes from The Times, shows the Statue of Liberty being subjected to a body search by airport security officials.
COMMENTARY
The cartoonist is highlighting the fact that personal freedoms — symbolized by the Statue of Liberty — are being stripped away (literally!) in the face of the latest terror threat.
