TERRORIST USE OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS Research Paper

TERRORIST USE OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS - Research Paper Example Terrorist activities are least likely to take place in high altitude areas since in most cases; these are areas that are always heavily militarized. Nuclear weapons are known to be the most dangerous of all weapons manufactured and utilized for military purposes (O’Neil, 2003). Terrorists are known to be using various weapons ranging from chemical to biological in carrying out their activities. Though they have not been using nuclear weapons, there has been a major concern over the use of nuclear tactic by terrorists in carrying out their activities. This paper will examine the possibility of terrorists using nuclear weapons and measures that countries can initiate to deter this menace from happening. Currently, countries cannot afford to ignore the rise of a new type of terrorism operating cross different countries and boundaries. These terrorist activities have their main aim as inflicting mass casualties and destruction. This move was illustrated by bombing of America’s pentagon House that took place on 11th September, 2001. Many people died, others sustained serious injuries and properties worth billions of dollars were destroyed. This is a clear indication that terrorist attacks using extremely dangerous weapons will remain a realistic prospect now and even in the future (O’Neil, 2003). The prospect of terror groups acquiring nuclear weapons has haunted the world at large for quite a long time now. Nuclear weapons could be made to yield a magnitude and effect of many kilotons and those weapons can be made small enough to increase their portability. There are various ways through which terrorist organizations can acquire nuclear weapons. They are the most powerful of all weapons used by terrorists in terms of their destruction. How easy are nuclear weapons to acquire? This is one question that one should have in mind. Nuclear weapons are attractive to terrorists due to their effects of