¶ … large terrorist WMD attack might be conducted. I have also indicated the most probable type of materials that could be used and the potential targets and probable forms of attack.
It is rather difficult for the policymakers to weigh up the likelihood of a mass-casualty terrorist attack in their nation states. On the other hand, the consequences of such a prospect call for the governments worldwide to give serious attention to this fear. During 1990s, a number of developments took place that amplified public concern that the activist could get hold of nuclear, biological or radiological weapons and detonate them in a big metropolitan region.
According to the researchers, the terrorists probably may not have the access to nuclear weapons. However, there are chances that they may bring radiological weapons into play in the upcoming times. Fortunately, there has been no occurrence of even a single nuclear or radiological terrorist attack up till now. Nevertheless, great concerns have roused after "the attack with the chemical warfare agent Sarin in Tokyo (1995), the anthrax cases in the U.S.A. (2001) and the smuggling of radioactive material"[footnoteRef:2] (Wirz & Egger 2005). On top, the attacks in the United States of America on September 11 gave a clear idea to the world that there are, at the moment, many groups with huge monetary and extensive human resources. The 9/11 attacks also signified that terrorist groups have a grave determination to cause the highest possible damage to the human race (Wirz & Egger 2005). [2: Wirz, C. & Egger, E. "Use of Nuclear and Radiological Weapons by Terrorists?."International Review of the Red Cross 87, no. 859 (2005). http://www.labor-spiez.ch/de/the/as/pdf/irrc_859_Egger_Wirz.pdf (accessed January 24, 2013).]
It can be concluded that a radiological diffusion bomb would be the most easily accessible nuclear appliance for any terrorist[footnoteRef:3] (Blair 2001). Radiological weapons are not at all expensive and involve low technological handling. This is the main reason why they can be categorized as the best options for terrorists who seek to cause great damage more than the obtainable potential and restrictions of common explosives but who lack the means to make, assemble or access an accurate weapon of mass destruction[footnoteRef:4] (Brown 2006). Radioactive supplies are not difficult to access and even do not have a need of problematical or pricey vehicles for their delivery. In addition, waste material derived from radioactive sources is quite effortless to achieve. Radioactive waste is generally found all over the world, and usually not as well-guarded as actual nuclear weapons are taken care of (Blair 2001). Radiological weapons are a hit among the terrorists for the reason that even a badly planned and poorly executed radiological attack could have an overwhelming impact on the economy and emotional well-being of the attacked region (Brown 2006). [3: Blair, B.G. "What if the Terrorists Go Nuclear?." CDI Terrorism Project, (October 1, 2001). http://www.cdi.org/terrorism/nuclear-pr.cfm (accessed January 24, 2013).] [4: Brown, C.. "Transcendental Terrorism And Dirty Bombs: Radiological Weapons Threat Revisited." The Air University. http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/cst/csat54.pdf (accessed January 24, 2013).]
Nuclear radiation that is barely visible only with distinctive instruments can become a mechanism of terrorists to cause mass-destruction. Radioactive isotopes can be made greater than before and spread all over the place with or without high explosives by using a radiological dispersion device (RDD) or ostensible dirty bomb [footnoteRef:5](Zimmerman & Loeb 2004). For that reason, the radiological weapons propose distinct opportunities for terrorists, who rummage around for an asymmetric advantage against their target. They are also preferred by terrorists as they are disconnected, fatal and involve only a little amount of familiarity to employ. Moreover, as radioactive matter is readily obtainable, it has a devastating potential for mental commotion. If truth be told, radiation is that form of energy which is the most pure and most crucial (Brown 2006). [5: Zimmerman, P.D. & Loeb, C. "Dirty Bombs: The Threat Revisited." Defense Horizons 38 (2004): 1. http://www.questia.com/read/1G1-147059807/dirty-bombs-the-threat-revisited (accessed January 24, 2013).]
Radiological weapons can turn out to be a preferred weapon among terrorists since "radioactive sources can possess incredible energy density that is in every respect as lethal as traditional kinetic weapons"[footnoteRef:6] (Brown 2006). In addition, radiation is hardly noticeable to each of the five senses. Not only this, it is also a threatening and menacing weapon that can easily inflict significant damage on the inhabitants of the attacked area long after the first use of the parent weapon and long before health and law regulating authorities identify that an attack has been done (Brown 2006). [6: Brown, C. "Transcendental Terrorism and Dirty Bombs: Radiological Weapons Threat Revisited." The Air University. http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/cst/csat54.pdf (accessed January 24, 2013).]
The purpose...
Taking the nature of this weapon into account the general assumption is that the target of a bomb of this nature would possible be a large city, congested transport or residential area. However this is common assumption and possibly not the only targets that terrorists might consider. From the point-of-view of the terrorist it may be more appropriate to choose a target which would be less secure and would maximize
Such a strategy, if fully developed, would successfully reduce the risk of a successful terrorist nuclear attack because the system itself would have nuclear-specific elements that could be coordinated with an assortment of other prevention and protection measures. More so, this system would work with the international community to develop similar multi-elemental, layered and cross-departmental approaches there and then coordinate the United States' measures with these international efforts, thus
Weapons of Mass Destruction 1 An electro-magnetic pulse (EMP) attack could crash the American economy and bring virtually every industry to a standstill—such is the reliance of modern business upon the digital infrastructure. Thus, considering an EMP attack is something that government should take very seriously. As more and more of the world becomes dependent upon cyber infrastructure for the maintenance of other systems, the complexity of the security services of a
This told investigators who was involved and it provided them with critical leads that lead directly to the perpetrator. These events are illustrating possible gaps in the research. This is because the methods of the terrorists are becoming more sophisticated. One of the most notable is the use of the disgruntled lone wolf to conduct these attacks. In the case of Faisal Shahzad, he was a lone wolf who was
Emergency management is also a vital part to the planning for a disaster. Training will have to be conducted at periodic intervals to maintain the preparedness of the emergency response team and to evaluate the condition and the operational difficulties if any that may arise due to the equipment being used. The procedures will have to be critiqued and constantly evaluated to determine if a better, safer or more efficient
causes of terrorism have attracted huge concern among policymakers and the public given the increase in terror attacks across the globe in the recent past. The modern society has been characterized by the increased emergence of terrorist groups and organizations in various places in the world. These organizations have continued to use sophisticated methods to accomplish their goals due to rapid technological advancements. Some of the major examples of
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now