Based on history
I have lived in different GCC countries in the past ("Passengers from 14 countries face tougher checks on US-bound flights", Gulf News, January 5). I'm glad that countries in this region have tackled terrorism in an effective manner in the past few years. However, the classification of security threats is clearly based on the history of passengers with malicious intent. If anyone feels offended by the restriction on entry, they should decide not to travel to the US. Full body scanning can be carried out by any customs organisation in the world based on analysis of the passenger behaviour, origin and emergency alerts. Prevention is better than cure.
From Mr Junaid Ramzan
Dubai

Steps to freedom
I agree that security is of utmost concern but when you look at the reality, you see that the real criminals seem to manage to get through and wreak havoc! Why is that? How do you explain that? You have visa application forms for countries asking you to declare your criminal past with relevant details. I mean — come on! Do get your head out of the sand, empower people, have decent policies in place, tackle poverty and illiteracy and you just might eradicate terrorism.
From Ms Vanya S,
Montserrat, Spain

Chaotic decisions
This is something offensive for Muslims all the countries listed are major Islamic countries. I think a decent policy should be applied on respectable citizens. The ‘good' and ‘bad' should be scrutinised at the time of visa approval, instead of full body scans, which will bring chaos amongst passengers from these countries while travelling to either UK or US. Eliminate poverty and injustice and all types of terrorism will vanish.
From A Reader,
Sharjah

Scan all passengers

It is totally unacceptable and excruciating to only scan people of certain countries. The scans should be made mandatory for all passengers boarding a flight to the US. It is the responsibility of the authorities concerned to make sure that people don't board the flights if their name is on the so-called security check list for terrorists.
From Mr Rizwan
Melbourne, Australia

Not real
We are all living in a world, whose reality is defined by the superpowers. So whatever is implemented, it has all been carefully written, planned and executed under their direction. We all are made to believe that these measures will eradicate terrorism. However, the irony is that these powers are creating the symptoms as well as the cure and we all have to accept the fake reality. I wonder why people still flock to these countries. Is it to get humiliated, or perhaps to search for the so-called better life? Wish we have good leaders who can shield us. I pray for all humanity to come to their senses.
From Mr Faisal,
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

No privacy
This is a major infringement on privacy and modesty. It is no different than asking passengers to strip down naked in front of security personnel — in fact it is worse. The images could be recorded for later use, or transmitted to many destinations. How this is legal goes beyond my comprehension.
From Mr John,
Copenhagen, Denmark

Hoping for the best
Can the authorities guarantee that the recorded pictures will not get circulated amongst the public in this technological era? On what belief should my family and I enter the scanner? If I dissent in this highly sensitive period I will be stamped as uncooperative. But, during the early stages, people would try to resist the decision and then accept the same hoping it would bring only good results.
From Mr Sandal Dominic
Dubai

Paying a price
This is a refined way of discrimination. Do millions of decent people have to pay the price for a few terrorists? And they call it freedom and liberty.
From Mr Shamel
Sharjah

Causing discomfort
In a way, it is a great initiative as it could reduce the risk of terror attacks to a certain extent. However, it is also a way to discriminate against respectful citizens of these countries, as it would lead to uncomfortable situations for them when travelling to airports with full body scanners.
From Mr Dheeraj Satta
Dubai

Necessary measures
Is safe travel more important than my privacy? Absolutely. I am for all measures to make travel safe. With people thinking about nothing but taking innocent life, stringent security measures are absolutely required.
From A Reader
Dubai

Saving lives
It's a good idea to get people scanned. Innocent humans should not lose their lives due to intolerable terrorists. We all should unite and eradicate such occurrences all over the world.
From Mr P. K.A.
Dubai

A step behind
The full body screening on airports sounds good it will increase safety for passengers. But, the question still remains does this help in eradicating terrorism from the world? Organisations should focus on the root cause of terrorism in any country.
From Mr Jos Cardozo,
Dubai

No rewards
I am amazed to see some of the names in the ‘State Sponsors of Terrorism' list. I know that some of these countries revere the US, yet they are considered terrorists. I can't understand how terrorism is perceived. I wonder if other countries have such lists.
From Mr A.M. Khan,
Abu Dhabi

Fair treatment
I disagree with these security scans. Why are only Muslim countries being targeted? Terrorists could come from any part of world. This law should be implemented for all air passengers so that there is no difference between people. Additionally, the authorities should respect women during the scanning.
From A Reader,
Dubai

Safety first
The rule US is implementing might sound discriminatory to some nationalities, but let's put ourselves in their place. We cannot blame them for doing so. They have busy airports, thousands or perhaps millions of air passengers a day. So, for them to save time, money, and cater to all the passengers, along with increasing the already strict measures for the protection of their citizens, they have to be efficient and effective. It's just a matter of securing your nation without compromising your business.
From Mr Sikoyavej,
Philippines

Denying an opportunity
Airport security is about everyone's safety it is not about individual sensitivities or rights. If total body scans are necessary because of the actions of a minority, then I would prefer to go through the scanning process than be at risk. Of course, there will always be those who see such actions as an infringement of civil liberties or offensive to their religious or personal sensibilities. They still have the choice of whether to travel or not. People killed by bombers are not given any choice they are sacrificed. I do not believe that any man has the right to decide the life or death of another. If this is the means to deny them that opportunity then it should be applied indiscriminately. Everyone from every country should be subjected to it.
From Mr James D.,
Abu Dhabi

No chances
I think everyone, regardless of their country of origin, should be checked and should undergo a full body scan. Nobody should complain we should not take any chances.
From Ms Alvira,
Ongbit

Apply to all
What if the full body scan does not work and another unfortunate incident occurs, would they then strip the passengers' clothes? The point about a list of nationalities is absolutely ridiculous. Everyone should be scanned. Screening is a good idea, but should be applicable to all passengers travelling to any country in the world.
From Ms Kiran Shaheen,
UK

Realising the potential
We cannot blame any country for applying such security checks. Once on board, facing such a situation would be hard and we would then realise the seriousness of the issue. Tomorrow airlines may even restrict to carry cabin baggage.
From Mr Aneesh,
Dubai

Safe travel
If statistics show that terrorists have in the past come from the listed countries or have certain links with them, then why not! Please don't cry ‘discrimination' — that exists everywhere. If it makes air travel safer, it is great. Body scanning could locate hidden weapons and explosives. If someone has an issue with the type of scan used, they should not go to the US.
From Mr Dave,
Dubai

Intelligence required
This seems like a façade to satisfy the public that the US is taking steps to increase security. There have been cases where terrorists were able to pass security scanners without any problem. Real security comes by improving the intelligence and foreign policies.
From Mr Iftikhar Ahmad,
Pakistan

Safe and secure
Security is an imperative matter, but I disagree with the list. They should not forget that they need to be careful with all passengers from other countries, too. All countries have legitimate reasons to set up measures on how to keep their countries safe and secure.
From Mr Willie,
US

No alternatives
Nobody is forcing you to fly to the US. As a resident of the US who has previously lived in Dubai for many years, I am glad that these rules have been put into place. I fly around the US regularly and I was flying into Detroit when the incident mentioned in the report took place. I have read several comments, but none of the other readers who has taken offence to the full body scanners has come up with an alternative on how to prevent such an incident from occurring again. Those who are offended by the rule can fly to other countries instead. I would rather have my safety assured.
From Mr Tyler,
US