The Scandinavian countries also have long had high proportions of women in parliament, and they have some of the world's most supportive policies around motherhood, and some of the best outcomes for mothers and their children.

CNN: Why are moms in America lagging?

They also provide exceptionally long contract terms and high ownership stakes and eliminate requirements that Iraq's oil stay in Iraq, that companies invest earnings in the local economy or hire a majority of local workers.

CNN: Why the war in Iraq was fought for Big Oil

Nassau County Police on New York's Long Island have also their patrol officers on high alert as a precaution.

WSJ: NYC stays alert as precaution; mayor rides subway