Terrorist dry run: cell phone taped to a Pepto-Bismol bottle, box cutter and three large knives

Today’s message is supposed to be about Iraq, but it looks like this story will suck up significant oxygen:

Several conservative blogs are highlighting the fact that the suspects, Ahmed Mohamed Nasser al Soofi and Hezem al Murisi, are Muslim. In this super-charged atmosphere, it will add fuel to the mosque debate and to anti-Muslim sentiment across the country.

No doubt the TSA will get serious scrutiny:

The men had a number of cellphones and other items in their bags that made officials suspicious. They also, allegedly, were ticketed for flights that they did not board, sending their bags on flights they were not on.

Were the men allowed to board despite obvious warning signs? If so, why?

UPDATE: More from CNN.