April 2, 2003
The New Terrorism Fanaticism
and Mass Destruction
By Walter Laqueur
WASHINGTON D.C. --
Recent attacks in Oklahoma City, at the World Trade Towers,
and at American embassies in Africa demonstrate the horrifying
consequences of a terrorist strike. But as technological advances
make weapons of mass destruction frighteningly easy to acquire,
a revolution is occurring in the very nature of terrorism--one
that may make these attacks look like child's play.
The new terrorism is a chilling trend made
possible by the alarming availability of weapons of mass destruction.
Chemical and biological weapons are cheap and relatively easy
to make or buy. Even nuclear devices are increasingly feasible
options for terrorists. And with the information age, cyber
terrorism is just around the corner.
A new militant separatism in Kashmir
grabs our attention then state-sponsored extremism in Libya
takes over on the late news.
[Editor's Note: Walter
Laqueur has a new
book out this week. He is also Co-Chair, International Research
Council and holds the Henry A. Kissinger Chair in National Security
Policy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
He is the author of Terrorism, Guerrilla, as well as Fascism
and The Dream That Failed.]
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