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Nuclear Strikes From 'Rogue States' Possible
Moscow (RIA Novosti) Nov 22, 2006 Russia's Air Force commander said Wednesday he considers nuclear missile launches by terrorists or 'rogue states' to be a genuine threat. "Increasingly probable and dangerous for the U.S., Russia and European countries are single or multiple missile strikes from third countries, known as rogue states, countries with unstable, non-democratic regimes, or terrorist organizations with access to missile technology," Vladimir Mikhailov said. Mikhailov said accidental launches were also possible. "Although accidental launches of missiles with nuclear warheads have not occurred in the history of nuclear missile technology, this does not mean they will not occur in the future, given the growing spread of nuclear missiles," he said. Mikhailov also said terrorist organizations and the countries harboring them would not be deterred by the threat of a retaliatory strike, which has acted as a constraint for Russia and the United States, the world's largest nuclear powers. "The objective of terrorists is to attract as much attention to their attacks as possible," he said. Retaliation against a missile strike is also fraught with massive civilian casualties and destruction, the commander said, referring to recent warfare between Israel and Lebanon. Mikhailov warned that missile technology will be increasingly popular in 21st century conflicts due to its combat capability and relatively small size. International non-proliferation efforts have been facing difficulties in recent years. North Korea said it conducted its first nuclear test on October 9, which could make it the ninth country known to have nuclear weapons, along with the U.S., Russia, France, China, Britain, India, Pakistan, and Israel, the latter three being de-facto nuclear powers. The secretive Communist state is already under UN sanctions over the move, while Iran faces sanctions over its defiance to halt uranium enrichment. The Islamic Republic has been in at center of an international nuclear dispute, suspected of pursuing nuclear weapons under the guise of a civilian energy program. Russia has taken a moderate position in both disputes, acknowledging the countries' right to peaceful nuclear power under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, but voicing concerns over their unwillingness to ease the international suspicions.
Source: RIA Novosti Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links Russian Air Force News and analysis about the Global War Against Terror at SpaceWar.com The Long War - Doctrine and Application
Annan Urges World To Strengthen Safeguards Against Bioweapons
Geneva (AFP) Nov 20, 2006UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on Monday urged 155 countries to speed up their faltering attempt to strengthen global safeguards against biological weapons, warning of the growing threat from terrorism and developments in biotechnology. Annan told a review conference on the Biological Weapons Convention that the risks had evolved swiftly in line with developments in the life sciences since the last meeting five years ago ended with "deep and bitter divisions". |
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