Germans release traveler carrying terrorist items

To the editor:

There was an article in the Southeast Missourian Oct. 3 regarding a Middle Eastern man who was detained and then released by German authorities.

This individual had in his luggage a chemical-biological protective suit with face mask. There were parts that could be assembled to make a detonator. He also had a CD-ROM on conducting a holy war.

It was stated he was released because there was no evidence he was planning a violent act. How was this determined? Did he just say he had no such intention?

I have not traveled abroad lately, and I guess I am not knowledgeable regarding appropriate dress codes. I am also ignorant of what some people carry around or do as hobbies these days. It would appear that carrying around such clothing and parts for a detonator is considered the norm. Maybe he was only a student terrorist carrying around his homework.

Perhaps I am paranoid, but to me it appears one of our allies in the war against terrorism dropped the ball. No wonder Germany was used as the planning and staging area for the attacks on America. I doubt the terrorists feel much threat living there.

TERRY CANUPP

Cape Girardeau