No, that's not what they're saying. This isn't an either-or scenario.

It's not clear to me that identity has much to do with airline security. Knowing who I am doesn't tell you much about what I intend to do on my next flight.

Furthermore, the terrorists know this. If something like this happens, all they'll need to do is recruit the next generation of suicide bombers from people who already have stellar past records and keep them clean until needed.

So ... if this particular check isn't going to thwart anyone intent on causing mischief, why bother?