Nuclear Terrorism

Analyst Takes Issue With Estimate of WMD Risk

Greg Schnippel — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 13:11:00 -0800

Michael Krepon, a longtime expert on nuclear threat reduction, is questioning a finding released this week asserting the likelihood that a weapon of mass destruction will be used somewhere around the globe within the next five years.

Report Sounds Alarm Over Bioterror

Greg Schnippel — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:11:23 -0800

Seven years after the 2001 anthrax attacks, a congressionally ordered study finds a growing threat of biological terrorism and calls for aggressive defenses on par with those used to prevent a terrorist nuclear detonation. Due for release next week, a draft of the study warns that future bioterrorists may use new technology to make synthetic versions of killers such as Ebola, or genetically modified germs designed to resist ordinary vaccines and antibiotics.

Radiation Detectors' Value Is Questioned

Greg Schnippel — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:43:20 -0700

Officials at the Department of Homeland Security have overstated the performance of costly new radiation detectors designed to prevent the importation of radiological materials that could be used in bombs, according to an unreleased government report.

Interview: How I Learned Not to Fear the Bomb

Greg Schnippel — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:16:00 -0800

Brian Michael Jenkins, a longtime terrorism expert with the RAND Corporation, says in this interview that the threat of nuclear terrorism lies more in the realms of Hollywood dramas and terrorist dreams than in reality. He argues that political leaders should not exaggerate the dangers of nuclear terrorism as the fear this creates plays into the terrorist strategy.

International Agreement Needed on Nuclear Security Standards

Greg Schnippel — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:12:04 -0700

The international community must agree on a common set of security standards to ensure that plans to expand the use of nuclear power do not increase opportunities for terrorists or rogue nations to acquire sensitive materials, a top U.S. nuclear official said yesterday (see GSN, Sept. 9).

Preparing for the Unthinkable - Nuclear Attack

Greg Schnippel — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 13:23:37 -0700

Top federal officials and medical experts gathered in Washington to consider the nightmare scenario of a nuclear terrorism strike on an American city. Their conclusion: Cities and states are frightfully ill-prepared for dealing with an attack using a small nuclear bomb.

How the U.S. seeks to avert nuclear terror

Greg Schnippel — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:34:58 -0700

Even Tiny Nuclear Explosion Could Be Terrorist "Success," Homeland Security Scientist Says

Greg Schnippel — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:29:48 -0700

Agency Considers A-Plants’ Vulnerability

Greg Schnippel — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:29:38 -0700

U.S. Unprepared for Aftermath of Nuclear Terrorism, Report Says

Greg Schnippel — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:29:35 -0700