Weapons of Mass Destruction

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Weapons of mass destruction (WMD) are any weapons that may kill and injure a huge number of people while also destroying property. The release, distribution, or effect of dangerous substances, radiations, explosions, or disease organisms causes damage. As a result, WMD are classified as nuclear, radiological, chemical, or biological weapons (Combs, 2013).

Terrorists' Use of WMD

Terrorists' use of WMD is primarily political in nature, with the goal of exposing the weakness of the current government regime and its incapacity to defend its inhabitants. There is a growing possibility of terrorists using WMD in the world today because of the ease of accessibility to nuclear material and technical skill, availability of nuclear waste generated continuously, and increased fanaticism beyond reason to the extent of willingness to instill fear in people, to make news and gain publicity through terror. Despite the availability of nuclear materials for the development of these weapons, controlled measures are possible through various ways.

Implementation of Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI)

Implementation of proliferation security initiative (PSI) aims at hindering the delivery system of these materials globally making it unavailable for terrorists. Shipping of nuclear materials poses significant challenges and threats to security and peace as these can land in the hands of terrorists. The PSI involves all states in preventing the movement of these materials either in the sea, on land or in the air. The initiative also works with countries whose ports, airspace, land or ships can be used for purposes of proliferation to reduce further the risks involved in the use of these weapons. Successful implementation of this initiative will reduce the accessibility of nuclear materials to terrorist groups who can use it to develop WMD (Van, 2016).

Strengthening Nonproliferation Policies

States can strengthen nonproliferation policies to combat the use of WMD successfully. The threat of terrorism is not a problem of one country but cuts across all nations, therefore, strengthening of International Cooperation is essential. This way it will be easier to frustrate the terrorists' efforts of acquiring nuclear materials. Implementing efforts such as diplomacy among nations, arms control, and the control of exports will hinder terrorists' efforts and make it hard and impossible for them to acquire expertise, materials, and the necessary technological equipment. A robust international cooperation will also help in border control such that proliferation of illicit materials can be prevented and detected on time (Van, 2016).

Preventing the Development of Dirty Bombs

Minimizing the generation of radioactive materials from scientific research facilities and medical equipment will help in preventing, to some degree, the development of 'dirty bombs' by terrorists. The dirty bombs pose a danger to the population as the radioactive materials cause air pollution rendering the affected area inhabitable. Additionally, the security in nuclear facilities and materials should be of high quality, with systems that can detect any trafficking (Van, 2016). Access to areas with sensitive nuclear items should be authorized to only specific individuals.

Strengthening International Security Systems

Through the strengthening of international security systems, nations will be able to keep their nuclear materials safe and deter access in case of any terror attack. Nations should also secure items and equipment used in the military at all times. These efforts will help a great deal in preventing the terrorists from building dirty bombs which is highly destructive. In medical facilities, the use of cesium is dangerous should it fall into the hands of terrorists because the chemical can be used to make 'dirty bomb.' Hospitals are vulnerable places, and terrorists can easily access this chemical. It is, therefore, paramount to consider using an alternative technology which can serve the same purpose as cesium (Van, 2016).

Application of Advanced Technology

Application of the current advanced technology in monitoring and tracking nuclear materials can be used to ensure their safety and reduce the risks of proliferation. Its use in the borders, ports, and all areas where there is a likelihood of trafficking nuclear materials will be helpful in detecting it. It will also help in increasing connection and sharing of information among states on issues concerning the use of WMD. The reporting system of any WMD will also be efficient; therefore, early action can be taken to prevent any impending damage that could otherwise have occurred. To further deter terrorists from carrying out their destructive activities, it is essential for nations to have in place a system that can detect and monitor their attack patterns for early prevention (Combs, 2013). Enforcement of heavy penalties and punishments should be implemented on anyone found involved in terrorism, and terrorists sympathizers should be implemented to prevent more young people from joining such groups.

Conclusion

To counteract the use of Weapons of Mass Destruction by terrorists is, therefore, not a hopeless situation, and it can be achieved through the implementation of the right strategies. Additionally, the use of WMD by terrorists is dangerous to them because it requires prior testing, and considerable expertise is needed to make a chemical into a weapon. The usage of these weapons may not meet the terrorists' need to cause worldwide news within a short time because for some, the effects can take a few days to weeks for it to be felt. The threat posed by the use of WMD can, therefore, be prevented before acquisition, preparation, transportation, and even detonation.

References

Combs, C. C. (2013). Terrorism in the Twenty-First Century . Longman Publishers.

Van, H. (2016, April 04). Preventing nuclear materials from falling into the hand of terrorists. Retrieved from VOVWorld : http://vovworld.vn/en-US/current-affairs/preventing-nuclear-materials-from-falling-into-the-hand-of-terrorists-424563.vov