Dirty Bombs

A "dirty bomb" is the quintessential terrorist weapon in that its psychological effects outweigh any physical destruction it may cause.

The blast effect of a dirty bomb is no greater than that of an ordinary explosive and nowhere near that of a nuclear bomb. But widespread fear of contamination could create uncontrollable terror among inhabitants in and around the blast area, as well as irrational fear in the rest of the country, in much the same way the anthrax scare affected the U.S. in 2001.

Next >>