I have 4 stripes on my sleeve and I can assure you that if the Captain exercises his authority (which I don't dispute) he damn sure better be right (and in this case I do believe he screwed the pooch). I doubt seriously if the company will even censure the Captain in any way since that would constitute a breech of the Captain's authority but the company is still liable before a judge and jury. Like I said in an earlier post the award will likely get reduced on appeal. Whatever award the guy finally gets the company will have still been found liable for injuries.
Finally, I still don't understand how you or anyone else reading this article can suggest this guy was any kind of threat to anyone because he happened to accidentally be sitting next to 2 guys who were likewise innocent but just happened to look suspicious. As for the presses ability to muck up the report, the statement that the police interviewed the guy for 2 hours and released him seems like a pretty factual statement to me. Kinda hard to misstate that since it was brought up in the trial. Anyway, if you care to respond again I'll let you have the last word.
I don't have 4 stripes, but I have been a commercial/instrument rated pilot for 30+ years and I have flown commercial airlines extensively, both domestic and international, including into various destinations in the Middle East and Eastern Africa. I have about 7 million miles or so commercial. So, it suffices to say that I've been around the block a few times and not always to nice places. I have seen how El Al handles their security first hand, by profiling. I have seen how airlines handle security in Eastern Africa, specifically Kenya, Egypt and Tanzania, by profiling. I have also seen how the Brits handled airline security during the years when the IRA was blowing things up regularly, by profiling. It used to be common to see British Army tanks on the side of the runways at Heathrow back in the day, as well as heavily armed troops in the terminal building. I have absolutely no problem with profiling nor do I have a problem with a Captain removing suspicious people from the aircraft if he deems it necessary and I have a hard time understanding how anyone could object. Likewise, I have no problem with flight crews being armed. In fact, I would prefer it.
If it were redheaded white boys, of which I am one, blowing up airplanes and flying them into buildings, I would have no problem with the security officials scrutinizing me more closely if it meant a higher level of safety and security on board the aircraft. In fact, I would expect it. During the fist Gulf War I was routinely scrutinized by security because I would regularly travel with electronic test gear in my checked baggage. This test gear was almost always seen as suspicious by security and I would wind up having to open everything up, turn it on, etc. It was just part of the deal.
Since the only folks blowing up airplanes and flying them into buildings up until now have been of Middle Eastern decent, I have no problem with them removing someone from a flight if they appear to be of Middle Eastern decent and are causing a problem for the flight crew. If they sit in similar patterns to what the 9/11 hijackers used, boot 'em. A problem for the flight crew might something as simple as a male of Middle Eastern decent loudly stating "Allah Akbar" or praying loudly in the cabin. I think we should take no chances. These folks have proven who they are and what they are capable of. The die has been cast and it isn't my problem if it upsets Middle Easterners.
The aircraft are owned by the airlines. If their flight crews don't feel comfortable with you being on their aircraft it is their prerogative to remove you if they see fit. You have no right to fly with them whatsoever, nor do you have any right to any compensation beyond the price of your ticket if you are removed. The FAR's support this and the airlines should hold their ground and support this crew and their decision. If Middle Easterners, Israeli or otherwise, don't like that, stop your brethren from blowing up airplanes, or enjoy the walk.....