The new U.S. strategy for combating weapons of mass destruction marks a significant departure from long-standing U.S. policy by publicly advocating a nuclear response in the face of a chemical or biological attack, according to government officials and private analysts.
The international security strategy emerging in the Bush administration could face serious problems and create negative consequences.
In a secret blueprint given to Congress, the Pentagon warns of a need for the US to build small nuclear bombs for potential use against an enemy that sets off - or even just develops - either a biological or chemical weapon.