NEW FEARS FOR THE NEW YEAR.

Watching the countdown to the new year in Times Square on television is usually an unalloyed pleasure. But last week, as millions of Canadians and Americans turned on their sets to witness--and even vicariously join in--the revelry, it was impossible to keep a chilling thought from partially spoiling the moment. U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officials cautioned that little is known about the individuals--including whether they had crossed into the U.S. from Canada, used their real names and ages, or were alone or part of a group as large as 20. Partly in response to the scare, Canada, the U.S. and several European countries clamped on stricter security measures at airports.According to some reports, the five are believed to be part of a larger group who were issued false identity papers for the U.S. after coming to Canada from Pakistan via Britain. The pressure for governments to take action is also building in Canada. Last week, Ontario Minister of Public Safety and Security Bob Runciman warned that the impact of a greater U.S. clampdown on the border would be catastrophic for the economy.