Current and former marshals contacted by CNN took exception to Napolitano's claims, saying that although there is an element of randomness to increase unpredictability, the assignments of air marshals are largely based on intelligence and an analysis of which flights are most vulnerable or most attractive to terrorists.

CNN: Air travel security under review, officials say

The lightning American advance on Baghdad, beginning before the air-war proper, recovered an element of surprise that the large and ponderous deployment seemed to have forfeited.

ECONOMIST: Assessing the campaign: The reckoning | The

As for May's biggest challenge, FAA reauthorization, most parties agree on at least one element of the discussion: the need to upgrade America's air traffic control.

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For much of the second act she seemed to float and fly, as if the air was her natural element.

ECONOMIST: Obituary