Worldwide Threat (From Terrorism: Defensive Strategies for Individuals, Companies and Governments, P 1-10, 2001, Lawrence J. Hogan, ed., -- See NCJ-192066)

• NCJ Number: 192067
• Author(s): George J. Tenet
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 10 pages
• Sale Source: Amlex, Inc.
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Excerpted from testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, March 21, 2000.

Annotation

This chapter focuses on the threat of terrorism worldwide.

Abstract

The threat of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) is magnified by the development of missiles in Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, and India. There is broader availability of technologies relevant to biological and chemical warfare, and nuclear tests in South Asia. There are continuing concerns about nuclear programs and the possibility of shortcuts to acquiring missile material. And, there is worry about the security of Russian WMD materials, increased cooperation among rogue states, more effective efforts to conceal illicit activities, and growing interest by terrorists in acquiring WMD capabilities. Efforts to halt proliferation are complicated by the fact that most WMD programs are based on dual-use technologies and materials that have civil as well as military applications. Despite the fact that United States intelligence is increasing its emphasis and resources on many of these issues, there is continued and growing risk of surprise. Biological and chemical weapons pose the most daunting challenge for intelligence collectors and analysts. About a dozen states, including several hostile to Western democracies, now either possess or are actively pursuing offensive biological and chemical capabilities for use against their perceived enemies. Some countries see biological and chemical weapons as a viable means to counter overwhelming U.S. conventional military superiority. Beyond the state actors, there are a number of terrorist groups seeking to develop or acquire biological and chemical weapons capabilities. These groups have international networks, adding to uncertainty and the danger of a surprise attack. One reason for the increase in risk of substantial surprise of an attack is that proliferators are showing greater proficiency in the use of denial and deception. Another is that the growing availability of dual-use technologies makes it easier to obtain the materials they need. These groups can buy the expertise they need to confer the advantage of technological surprise. Technological progress makes it easier to obtain more advanced forms than when the weapons were initially developed. The terrorists that pose an immediate and serious threat to the United States are Osama bin Laden, and the Egyptian Islamic Jihad.