A “systemic failure” by American intelligence allowed the alleged terrorist behind the Christmas Day airliner bomb plot to board the aircraft despite warnings about his extremist views, US President Barack Obama said last night.

A “systemic failure” by American intelligence allowed the alleged terrorist behind the Christmas Day airliner bomb plot to board the aircraft despite warnings about his extremist views, US President Barack Obama said tonight.

Reconciliation talks between rival Palestinian factions will continue tomorrow, as Hamas' top leaders seek approval for the final draft of a Yemeni-sponsored agreement, Yemen's foreign minister said tonight.