ANOTHER GIFT FROM YEMEN – AT 5:12 P.M. ET:  Once again we are blessed with another expression of multicultural respect.  From ABC News:

American law enforcement officials have been told to be on the lookout for female suicide bombers who may attempt to enter the United States, law enforcement authorities tell ABC News.

But remember, if you see a Yemeni woman at the airport, with a bulging burka, and you hear something ticking, first check your own prejudices and preconceptions.  Then, after the blast, treat her exactly as you would treat any other passenger.

The president says those are our values.

One official said at least two of them are believed to be connected to al Qaeda in Yemen, and may have a non-Arab appearance and be traveling on Western passports.

Okay.  Modify the above instruction.  She may be wearing a ski outfit and be ticking.  Same caution.

The threat was described as "current" but not imminent, said the official.

I wonder how they determine that.  Do they get a peek at the bomber school's grading book? 

Let's see: "Liela:  Almost ready, but needs extra work in wiring."

"They have trained women," said former White House counterterrorism official Richard Clarke, an ABC News consultant.

Separately, Britain raised its terrorism threat level to "severe," its second-highest level, days before London hosts major international meetings on how to deal with militancy in Afghanistan and Yemen. Britain's threat level had been labeled "severe" for several years before being lowered last summer to "substantial."

COMMENT:  Whatever label is used, the danger is real and great, and, as the saying goes, they only have to be lucky once.

January 23, 2010