NCJ Number
230295
Journal
Journal of Strategic Security Volume: 2 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2009 Pages: 13-24
Date Published
September 2009
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article analyzes the current state of bio-weapons development by non-state actors, primarily Islamist jihadists.
Abstract
This article explores what is known about the strategic and political nature of terrorist groups. The author notes that "any strategic analysis of terrorist weapon capabilities and potential future attacks should start with the understanding of who the terrorists are and how their perceived legitimacy is derived from the tenets of their radical religious beliefs." The author begins with a discussion of the basis of the right to rule and asymmetric warfare, followed by an examination of the definition of jihad and why jihadists would choose weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The article explores the accessibility of bio-weapons to terrorists and looks at the three main components necessary to the development of most biological weapons: scientific expertise, pathogens and growth medium, and equipment. The article also examines the operational capabilities of terrorist groups and discusses the tactical application and targeted opportunities that exist for a bio-weapons attack. The author concludes that there exists an extremely relevant and valid concern for the possibility of a terrorist attach utilizing biological weapons, and that governments must find a way to reduce or eliminate this threat and other forms of terrorism. Tables and references