European Union civil aviation officials will meet Friday to discuss whether armed guards should be allowed on commercial flights, as requested by the United States as part of its global fight against terrorism. Washington has asked foreign airlines to place armed marshals on selected flights to and from the United States to thwart potential terrorist attacks. But the request has sparked some criticism in the EU amid fears the safety of the passengers may be at risk if guns were brought on board. The subject of “sky marshals” is only one of the many to be addressed by officials at their regular meeting in Brussels and no decision was expected on this controversial topic. Full Story