WMD Terrorism: What Can Be Done?

Further Reading:

	Federation of American Scientists, Terrorism and WMD
	WMD Terrorism News
	CNS, Terrorism Page
	Henry L. Stimson Center, Amy Smithson, Ataxia: "The Chemical and Biological Terrorism Threat and the US Response"
	Weapons of Mass Destruction Commission, Final Report: Weapons of Terror
	WMDC, Jonathan Dean, "Coping with the Possibility of Terrorist Use of WMD"
	CNS, Jonathan Tucker, "The Proliferation of Chemical and Biological Weapons Materials and Technologies to State and Sub-State Actors"
	NTI, Jennifer Mitchell & Jason Pate, "The Department of Homeland Security: Goals and Challenges"
	CRS, Raphael Perl, "Terrorism and National Security: Issues and Trends"
	The Washington Quarterly, John Parachini, "Putting WMD Terrorism into Perspective"
	CNS, Inventory, "Draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism"
	CNS, Inventory, "International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism"

Traditional counterterrorist activities, such as detecting and disrupting terrorist groups, cutting off funds, and removing access to safe havens can be broadened and strengthened in order to prevent WMD terrorism. Some experts favor a military response to a terrorist attack, arguing that such a response would make a strong statement and help to deter future attacks. Others argue that military responses only provoke terrorists to strike again, and that law enforcement mechanisms and diplomatic methods are better suited to address the threat. It is still unclear what effect the military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq will have on future terrorist attacks against U.S. interests, despite the destruction of the Taliban government, the significant disruption of Al-Qaeda, and the overthrow of Saddam Hussein's Ba'athist regime.

Maintaining tight security over WMD materials in nations that possess them is also critical for curbing WMD terrorism. Of particular concern are nuclear materials usable for nuclear weapons; radioactive materials that could be used for radiological dispersal devices (RDDs), or "dirty bombs"; and dangerous biological agents, used in medical and research centers.

Tools designed to stop the spread of WMD to states, such as export controls, can prevent the spread of materials and technology to terrorists through possible state sponsors. Additionally, resolving political conflicts in places such as the Middle East can reduce terrorist motivations, although this can also lead to an escalation in violence by factions opposing peace. International agreements can also be used to contain WMD terrorism. The UN General Assembly approved the "International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism" in April 2005, and the convention was opened for signature the following September. The convention outlaws the threats or acts of nuclear terrorism and requires states to criminalize such offenses. The United Nations is also in the process of negotiating the "Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism," which obligates parties to prevent and punish acts of terrorism.

Preparing for a WMD terrorist attack involves (1) preventing attacks through improved surveillance of terrorist activities and enhanced security over WMD materials, and (2) reducing the impact of an attack. For example, increasing the ability of emergency responders, such as firefighters and medical personnel, to deal with WMD attacks could help to reduce the number of casualties if an incident occurs.

Since 1995, the United States has allocated enormous resources to combating WMD terrorism. Numerous government programs have been created in an effort to prevent and deter terrorism or to reduce the effects of a major attack should it occur. For example, the government has begun stockpiling vaccines, antibiotics, and nerve agent antidotes to treat people in the event of a chemical or biological attack. Analysts have criticized the significant overlap among various federal counterterrorism programs, as well as the lack of a clear strategy for coordinating these elements. The anthrax attacks of late 2001 have shown that public health is an important component of U.S. national security and that there are gaps in the public health system, particularly at the state and local levels.

Following September 11 and the subsequent anthrax attacks, President Bush created a new Office of Homeland Security (OHS) to oversee and facilitate communication between the numerous government agencies tasked with domestic security responsibilities. However, in response to criticism that the OHS did not have the jurisdictional authority necessary to fulfill its stated mission, President Bush agreed to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, a cabinet-level organization that would have the necessary authority that OHS lacked.

This brought 22 federal agencies and 180,000 employees into one department. Many believe that now that the various agencies responsible for protecting the United States from WMD terrorism are "under one roof," the government's ability to coordinate efforts to protect the country will increase greatly. The new department began operations on March 1, 2003. Its mission is to prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, to reduce the country's vulnerability to terrorism, and to minimize the effects of potential attacks, including those involving WMD.