For this week’s discussion I chose an article called “Are We Prepared?” from the Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). This article evolves around an evaluation of four scenarios involving the potential threat of WMDs occurring in the US. The scenarios include the collapse of the Nonproliferation Regime, Failed WMD-armed State, Biological Terror Campaign and a Nuclear Detonation in a US City. The issues regarding these situations combined can create incomparable obstacles, not only for the US, but for other countries around the world combating WMD. Moreover, as the US moves forward, the alarming issues that these four scenarios explain, is the fact that the US is not prepared here in the US or abroad. While there has been progress over the years for the US in the likes of procedures and capabilities that depicted Cold War technologies, such as WMD-related programs; government assets across the whole spectrum has been unsuccessful.
As the US looks forward, the threat continues to develop, Iran and North Korea progresses on their nuclear programs, while Al Qaeda continues to be attracted to WMD’s. Even though several of the states continue to refuse the liking to produce nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, the fact remains clear technology, vulnerable and uneasy states can be the driving force for proliferation and where WMDs could end up in the wrong hands, not just the likes of Terrorist Organizations, but other more sophisticated countries as well.
The coming years could be challenging for the US, but the fact remains clear that policies and procedures for the Cold War era should not be used and the US must anticipate a properness plan that reflects each scenario while also developing suitable approaches, tactics and capabilities; effective procedures will ensure that partners can rely on the US for security and help if needed.
Aaron
Reference
Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction. (2009). Are We Prepared?. http://wmdcenter.ndu.edu.
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