Biological Terrorism

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses how preventing and responding to terrorism are two issues that are now critical aspects of the United States' security and political landscape. The paper attempts to investigate why the water systems of large cities are vulnerable to terrorists' attacks. The paper also evaluates why the water system in the city of Chicago is vulnerable to terrorist attacks. The paper discusses how such an attack would most likely be unsuccessful because of detection methods, dilution, chlorination and the filtration processes but there is still an element of danger. The paper looks at the theories of bioterrorism and bioterrorism defense.

Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
Water Facilities in Large Metropolitan Areas
What Will Happen if Terror Attacks Do Occur?
Protecting These Systems
Chicago Water Systems Vulnerability
Theoretical Framework
Competing Hypothesis

From the Paper:

"Biological and chemical warfare are particular concerns for the American government as it relates to protecting the citizenry. America has already experienced small scale biological attacks with the anthrax attacks that occurred following the terrorists attacks of September eleventh. Anthrax is a naturally occurring substance that causes severe respiratory problems and can result in death. The previous Anthrax attack affected only a few people; however a large scale attack using anthrax or some other biological agent could be catastrophic. The impact of such an attack could have devastating consequences as millions of Americans could be left dead or seriously ill."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Anderson R. (September 29, 2003) . Mayors Meet in Chicago to Discuss the Nation's Water Problems. Retrieved August 30, 2006 from; http://www.usmayors.org/uscm/us_mayor_newspaper/documents/09_29_03/UW_water_summary.asp
• Coleman K. (Jan 16, 2005). Protecting the Water Supply from Terrorism. Retrieved August 30, 2006 from; http://www.directionsmag.com/article.php?article_id=735&trv=1
• Copeland C. and Cody Betsy. (2003) Terrorism and Security Issues Facing the Water Infrastructure Sector: Resources, Science, and Industry Division. Report For Congress.
• The United States Conference of Mayors. Retrieved August 30, 2006 from; http://www.usmayors.org/uscm/us_mayor_newspaper/documents/09_29_03/UW_water_summary.asp
• USCG Releases NPRM for Port Chicago Zone (May 22, 2002). Retrieved August 30, 2006 from; http://www.marinelink.com/Story/ShowStory.aspx?StoryID=8281

More papers on Biological Terrorism:

• Analytical Essay # 65661 : "Bio-terrorism"
• Term Paper # 6527 : "Biological Warfare Against the United States"
• Analytical Essay # 46852 : "The Social Impact of Bio-Terrorism"

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