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Technology Makes it Easier for Rogue States to Get Anthrax
Monday, February 25, 2002
By SFC Kathleen T. Rhem
U.S. Army
American Forces Press Service

Because the equipment is common and commercially available, it's hard for the United States and other Western nations to stop other countries from selling it or to track who's got it.

WASHINGTON -- AFIS
At least a dozen countries have or are actively seeking anthrax for use as a biological weapon, a top DoD proliferation expert said.

Anthrax lends itself to being an ideal agent for weapons, said Lisa Bronson, deputy undersecretary of defense for technology security policy and proliferation. She spoke on the subject to a small group of reporters in the Pentagon Feb. 22.

Anthrax has long been considered a threat as a biological weapon because it is stable and hearty. It can remain potent and dangerous for indefinite amounts of time if it is dried and prepared properly. And now, defense officials are learning more about who has it and who wants it, including the Al Qaeda terrorist network.

Documents found in Afghanistan since coalition forces drove Al Qaeda operatives out indicate the terrorists were trying to develop biological weapons, including anthrax, Bronson said.

CIA Director George Tenet said "Russian entities" continue to provide material and expertise to countries and groups seeking biological weapons. "Russia appears to be the first choice of proliferant states seeking the most advanced technology and training," Tenet said Feb. 6 in testimony before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence.
(More: DoD News Source)
2002 © The United States Department of Defense.

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