Do you think there will be a major terroist attack in the U.S. within the next 10 years?

Question

And I am talking about a major attack in the form of several weapons of a biological or nuclear nature unleashed in several majorly populated cities. The death toll could conceivably reach into the tens of millions, and consequently would seriously disrupt the social and economic activity whithin the country.

Do you think: 1) This is even possible from a logistical standpoint? Are there weapons which exist that are readily accessible for use by 'ordinary' individuals? How would such weapons be delivered to unleash the maximum amount of devastation?
2) Is this action neccessary? I mean this from a geo-political and philosophical standpoint? Is it neccessary for the world to proceed through the difficult times ahead without the arguably negative influence the U.S. exerts globally from a cultural, economic, social, and political standpoint?

Answer 1

yea after george bush leaves office in January 2009 and a democrat is elected

Answer 2

I think it is possible for a biological or nuclear attack to be unleashed on American cities. Our freedoms which are so important open up this possibility, it is part of the price we all pay for freedom in this country. Such weapons may not be that hard to come by. The former Soviet Union and some of thier former states have lots of stuff and a corrupt military protecting thier stuff.

Biological weapons: There are alot of biological weapons or harmful pathogens which could be unleashed on the public. I would think that the most effective way would be either through the water or food supply as these networks are very big and complicated. You really would not need to kill that many people, maybe only a few hundred to be effective in changing public opinion.

Radiological weapon: Not a nuclear bomb but rather the spreading of radioactive substances by use of conventional explosives, sometimes called a "dirty bomb". Would not be that deadly, but would cause great public fear and panic. Also, would not be hard to make and operate.

Nuclear bomb: This is the most complicated and dangerous of the three. The actual physics behind a nuclear bomb is not all that complicated but obtaining enough weapons grade uranium or plutonium is. Again, even if you got a yield of a few hundred kilotons, a dud by our standards, you would cause great public fear. This one would probably be the most lethal as well, depending on the area used tens of thousands could die.

Answer 3

I don't think it can happen. The only nations who even come close to having that type of technology are US allies.

And even if our allies decided to stab the US in the back, and turn sides, they would still have to get past our defense systems, NORAD, etc. It is a long shot.

What is more feasible are suitcase bombs, or dirty bombs, which could conceivably kill hundreds of thousands of Americans, but certainly not tens of millions.

In a sense, bringing about a large scale terrorist attack on the United States that really brings about economic and political chaos would work against the self interests of America's enemies. The world depends on America's economy and influence. I just don't see a massive terrorist attack happening. (Relatively speaking, 9-11-01 was a mere kick on the shins.)

To be sure, more terrorist attacks are coming, maybe on the same scale as 9-11 and greater. But those attacks will not be enough to destroy the American dream.

God save us all.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, Yes, I believe there will be another and more dangerous attack on the USA. When? Well, I am not even sure if I should say that.

I'm sorry, but I don't believe is right to give examples in this forum, as to how the attack could take place. From where I stand, I see too many weak points, and giving ideas on "how" the attack could take place would be like telling the bad guys how to proceed with the attack.

What I can tell you is this: Since the weaknesses in our national security are so boldly noticeable, it is OUR DUTY as citizens of our great Nation to protect our homeland from all enemies. We must cooperate with our authorities in protecting America.

Oh, one more thing, the DHS must stop being afraid of the ACLU, because even when I support some of the ideas of the ACLU, I believe that protecting AMERICA comes first, and the ACLU comes second.

Answer 5

Ever heard of the NNSA?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070105/pl_nm/security_usa_nuclear_dc
The NNSA, an Energy Department agency, is responsible for maintaining the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile and reducing the global threat posed by weapons of mass destruction.

It was established 2000 after the
Wen Ho Lee espionage scandal at the Los Alamos lab in New Mexico, birthplace of the atomic bomb and the site of U.S. nuclear weapons research.

A Taiwanese-American scientist, Lee was accused of stealing secrets about the U.S. nuclear arsenal for China in December 1999 but the charges were dropped. He later pleaded guilty to improperly handling of sensitive data.

Brooks' departure followed two other incidents at the lab.

Last June, word surfaced that a security breach at Los Alamos had led to the theft of files containing personal information on more than 1,000 workers. The breach had gone unreported for months.

Then in October, a drug raid on a Los Alamos trailer park turned up secret data taken from the lab by a female employee. The discovery raised concerns that the woman might have tried to sell the information to support a drug habit.
[The above is from the link.]

I just worry about the security of our own nuclear establishment.
Murphy's Law -- if anything can go wrong, it will.
Beyond that, my imagination goes wild. I'm trying to keep it in check, because nobody wants to hear about conspiracy theories and homeland complicity in the name of The New World Order.
I don't want to say "I told you so..."

p.s., no.

Answer 6

Judging from the answers to this question by everyone it seems like another attack is a foregone conclusion. If you ask a liberal congressman you get quite a different answer, or rather doublespeak on how we're over-reacting and the administration is trying to instill fear in it's citizens. Now I realize Washington DC lives in it's own cocoon. It is scary to imagine our country being led by Hillary Clinton or John Edwards or Barack Obama or Chris Dodd! Do not even mention Kucinich or Kerry in the same breath! Only God will be able to protect us.

Answer 7

I doubt it. Perhaps 9/11 was the biggest attack on US soil that would ever take place. Yes, individuals could harm the public but not in large numbers. No, it isn't necessary. War is never necessary- not even on the minutest scale. Yes, the world needs to evolve without the influence of America- but in REALITY, nobody evolves without the influence of another. Not even America! Isolation is no longer a viable option- not culturally, economically, politically.

Answer 8

I think its almost inevitable unless we act very proactively.

We need to be very scared right now. And most of us don't realize what terrible danger we are in.

If they had just two nuclear bombs, they could destroy Washington D.C. first and then another American city one hour latter.

There would be mass panic in every major city in the country because people would be afraid a bomb will go off there next. Millions would die in the chaos.

Yes its possible. If North Korea and Iran can get nukes, than anyone can. And they could sell them. Plus all of the old USSR nukes. Who knows where all they wound up.

I fear most suitcase nuclear bombs that don't need a delivery system.


Is action necessary? You bet your bippie its necessary!

Pray !

-- And vote Republican.

Answer 9

I am not as cultured as you obviously by your complicated question (and a good one it is) But I share your concern. These terrorists are known for being patient. So it's hard to put a date on when they will do a devastating attack. Unless we get rid of the politically correct way we are being forced to fight this war and not crush them, take away their will to fight the big attack is eminent, just a matter of time. In 08 I think all Americans should pick a president no matter his or hers political party on their plan to beat terrorism period. Our way of life though not perfect needs to win the alternative is just unacceptable.

Answer 10

Possible yes, probable, I doubt it, but we need to be very scared and if we are the terrorists surely have won. Watch for the new improved color coded scare indicator coming to a store near your soon and if you act now you get two for the price of one.

Answer 11

Yes, we have not been vigilant on our borders, and all the politicking has taken it's toll. You must be united and show it. All the left's Bush bashing will be the reason terrorists will unfortunately be successful. Wake up Washington!