NCJ Number
193453
Date Published
1998
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article examines the need to develop a comprehensive policy to confront the threat of biological weapons.
Abstract
A comprehensive policy to address the threat of biological weapons requires a strategy that integrates international transparency with improved domestic defense and detection. The dangerous situation in Iraq demonstrates the need to institute international controls on the production of biological weapons and the difficulty of enforcing such an international regime. Negotiations to strengthen the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) continue to move slowly. The Ad Hoc Group (AHG) responsible for establishing the groundwork for the Convention met in 1998. Their goal was to draft a legally binding protocol for the BWC. The issues open for discussion were procedures for on-site inspections, resolving conflicts over export controls, and exchange of technical information. Severe divisions on strengthening the BWC between state parties participating on the AHG have hindered meaningful progress. On the issue of defense, the threat of massive retaliation by a country against the users of biological weapons is not effective because terrorists lack territory. Terrorist organizations have shied away from non-conventional attacks for one primary reason: the use of biological weapons can alienate sympathizers. Domestic defense efforts have moved forward. Training first responders continues to be the single most important program for protecting civilians against biological and chemical weapons attacks. Lastly, there needs to be an effective policy to detect an attack before it has occurred. Detecting biological agents at a distance is a top priority. Protecting the ports and airfields is especially important. These are likely points of attacks should hostile forces attempt to confront American conventional superiority. The current situation in Iraq and recent attempts by domestic terrorist organizations to obtain biological weapons are indications of the threat to the United States. Biological weapons are cheap, easy to produce, and deadly. The United States cannot ignore the threat of biological weapons. 8 Notes