Essay on Nuclear weapons and radiological devices
It is obvious that events of September 11 and other alarming signs that may have been noticed throughout the recent period have pointed out that the probability of the various terrorist incidents is tremendously high. Therefore, many researchers have come to conclusion that the possibility of occurrence of the terrorists’ attack with the use of nuclear and radiological weapons should not be excluded or underestimated. The best known way of decreasing the risk of possible terrorist attacks is to design a reliable and effective anti-terrorist prevention strategy. And without a doubt, one of the significant aspects of the prevention strategy is the awareness of the citizens. (Davis et al, 2003)
The major concern of the weapons experts is the growing availability of the various components for preparation of WMD. Simply speaking, the availability of these elements is frightening. Taking into account the availability of the components needed for WMD production for the groups and individuals these days and also the overall rise of extremism all around the world and the tendency of using the destructive tools.
A presumption could be made that both nuclear weapons and radiological devices are may be used by the terrorist groups (along with the other WMD types) in the nearest years. So the risk of nuclear or radiological attack may be estimated as relatively high, although not higher than the risk of chemical or biological attacks. According to a number of researchers and psychologists, there is a trend that confirms the fact of destructive weapons more likely to be used in the nearest future.
- The availability of materials for nuclear weapon production
According to Ferguson (2006), the availability of the elements for preparation of nuclear weapons has significantly increased in the recent time. This author also points out that North Korea may be responsible for transferring of the nuclear technologies and materials to the terrorist groups. One of the reasons of the probability of such events is the poor economic conditions of this country that may encourage it to make the transactions with the terrorists. In addition, North Korea is known for its usage of terrorist actions for striking the neighboring country – South Korea.
Another possible source of the nuclear elements supply is Iran. By contrast to North Korea that doesn’t officially claim its support of extremist terror groups, Iran is an open supporter of the terrorist organizations. Experts assess the threat of nuclear transfers from this country to the terrorist organizations as substantial (and that is greater than the North Korean threat). (Ferguson, 2006)
Among other opportunities for the terrorists to get the elements for nuclear weapons production the countries of the former Soviet Union may be considered.
- The estimation of nuclear and radiological threat
In my opinion, making a choice from nuclear weapons and radiological devices, the dirty bomb is the more likely scenario to happen. Overall, the threat of radiological devices usage is higher than the usage of nuclear weapons, because it’s less harmful and powerful, but they are both tremendously dangerous methods of destruction. As for the reasons that cause the use of radiological and nuclear weapon by the terrorists, the following could be determined: these methods may be used if the attack is designed to achieve mass devastation (when the terrorists aim to cause as many casualties as possible); another obvious reason is an intent to cause substantial economic damage to the certain region or even country.
Another important aspect is that although nuclear and radiological attacks may greatly correspond to the common goals of the terrorist organizations, they also present serious threat to these terrorists who have to deal with production and implementation of the attack. The safety is the significant issue even for the terrorist and without a doubt not everyone is able to feel safe dealing with nuclear or radiological weapons.
- The possible effects of the use of nuclear weapon
It is clear that the explosion of the nuclear device may result in the mass casualties and severe physical damage and devastation.
In accordance with the opinion of Whittaker (2004) the explosion of the nuclear device may cause enormous danger not only to the people’s lives and health, but also to the public services and infrastructure that may be seriously damaged by nuclear explosion and this damage would be followed by the extreme pollution of the environment.
- The possible effects of the use of radiological devices
The radiological weapon is one of the most damaging kinds of WMD along with nuclear weapons. Its action is based on spreading of the radioactive materials with the clear intention to kill people and cause severe disruptions. It is also may be known as the dirty bomb. Despite the obvious danger presented by the use radiological devices, it may be noted that the explosive power of this kind of WMD is weaker than nuclear weapon’s. But it should not be forgotten that the result of the use of radiological weapons by the terrorists will definitely be the numerous casualties.
There are many types of radiological weapons known; some of them are odorless or colorless, which makes these radiological agents impossible to detect right before the attack.
Conclusion
Taking into consideration the facts and arguments that were presented in this paper, the conclusion could be made that there are no serious limitations for the terrorist groups to use nuclear weapons and radiological devices, especially at the present time, when they appear to choose more destructive methods than ever before. The major effects of the use of the methods discussed above are a large number of casualties, serious panic and people’s insecurity.
Among the methods that are most likely to be used by the terrorists, a dirty bomb could be named. This is clearly the most convenient way for the terrorists to spread the radioactive materials by packing them with the explosive device and blowing it into the air.
Ferguson (2006) claims the most effective solution to the problem of the spread of nuclear and radiological weapons is the adoption of the effective nuclear terrorism prevention strategy. The strategy should include such elements as securing, reduction, and elimination of the existing nuclear weapons and related materials.
