Air security: United States introduces new measures

Tightened security measures have come into force for travellers flying into the United States, following a failed attempt last month to blow up an American airliner.

Under the new guidelines, airport staff are carrying out full pat-down body checks and carry-on luggage checks for passengers travelling from countries which the US considers to be a security risk.

The full list of countries is: Afghanistan, Algeria, Cuba, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

Passengers travelling from any other foreign country may also be checked at random.

Larry Wansley is a former director of Security for American Airlines who now runs his own consulting firm 'Infinite Security' in Dallas.

Ahmed Rashid is a Pakistani specialist writer on the Taliban and security issues.

First broadcast 4 January 2010