Experts fear `dirty bomb'attack in U.S., Europe

Yahoo news (Tribune Newspapers: Los Angeles Times) ^ | 5/9/2004 | By Douglas Frantz

[Dallas59]

Concerns are growing that Al Qaeda or a related group could detonate a "dirty bomb" that would spew radioactive particles across an American or European city, according to intelligence analysts, diplomats and independent nuclear experts.

Although safeguards protecting nuclear weapons and components have improved, experts said the radioactive ingredients that are wrapped around conventional explosives to create a contaminating bomb remain available worldwide, often stored in non-secure locations.

A dirty bomb would not cause the death and devastation of a nuclear weapon, but experts predict that it would produce some fatalities, radiation sickness, mass panic and enormous economic damage from the cleanup.

Intelligence agencies have reported no specific threats involving dirty bombs or nuclear weapons, but senior U.S. and European officials and outside experts said several factors have heightened fears in recent weeks.

They said concerns are focused on three Al Qaeda operatives who led experiments involving dirty bombs and chemical weapons, as well as on widely held suspicions that a special wing of the terrorist network is planning a spectacular attack.

Excerpted

[Dallas59]

We got lots of dirty bombs to throw back.

[Dallas59]

Heres another "threat" from LGF, about the fourth post down:

Nazimedia: Attack US Targets!

"The San Francisco branch of Indymedia advocates violent attacks against “military targets” in the United States, in a post that was moved by the Indymedia overlords to their “hidden” area, but remains visible with a few clicks: Military Targets in the USA must be Attacked.

[G.Mason]

The sooner they do, the sooner these "lost" Americans will get their collective heads right!

I don't see it until after the election.

There is always a chance Kerry (their American Ali Baba) could win the election. [their thoughts, not mine]

[Dallas59]

Here's the link:

http://www.littlegreenfootballs.com/weblog/weblog.php

[Lijahsbubbe]

We said we're sorry. What more do they want?

[Dallas59]

America is not Europe by stretch of the moonbats imagination. Another attack on our soil, killing anyone would signal some some very tough times ahead. I'm afraid we would be somewhat alone in pursuing the criminals.

[Planet]

We got lots of dirty bombs to throw back.

...and ours blow up a whole lot bigger.

[Family Guy]

Speaking of a dirty bomb, they could blow up Osama in any American city and the disease from his beard alone could wipe out half the population.

[umgud]

Respond with pig bombs.............

[John_7Diamonds]

Yes but no where to throw them.
John

[Kozak]

"I'm very surprised that a radiological device hasn't gone off," said Matthew Bunn, a nuclear expert at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard University. "There is a bigger puzzle: Why no Al Qaeda attacks since Sept. 11 in the U.S.?"

Uh, maybe because we surprised the SOB's, and when they hit us this time we had a president with balls and WE HIT THEM BACK. And have been pounding them in Afghanistan and Iraq, and around the world since then? Do ya think?

[traumer]

I'd prefer N-bombs.
They are very clean and don't damage the infrastructure.

[Brasil]

I would like to see a DOD announcement that there are now programmed megabombs that will vaporize Mecca and Medina if we are hurt again.

[Kozak]

Yes but no where to throw them.

Start here.
21 deg 25min 24sec N
39deg 49min 24sec E

[traumer]

I'd prefer N-bombs.
They are very clean and don't damage the infrastructure.

[HowlinglyMind-BendingAbsurdity]

They also said that chatter justifying the use of nuclear weapons against the United States has increased on radical Islamic Web sites as the occupation of Iraq (news - web sites) stretches into its second year. The warning echoed remarks in June by Eliza Manningham-Buller, director of Britain's domestic intelligence service, MI5. She said renegade scientists have helped Al Qaeda in its effort to develop chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons, or CBRN.

Why haven't the radical Middle Eastern Muslims been deported???

[G.Mason]

"America is not Europe by stretch of the moonbats imagination. Another attack on our soil, killing anyone would signal some some very tough times ahead. I'm afraid we would be somewhat alone in pursuing the criminals."

I hope I am understanding you correctly.

Tough times? Sure. Isn't our way of life worth it?

Were not going to react like the Spanish, for certain.

Alone? Sure, for a while, then sooner or later the fence sitting will be over.

We'll tear down their fences.

[gitmo]

"I'm very surprised that a radiological device hasn't gone off," said Matthew Bunn, a nuclear expert at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard University. "There is a bigger puzzle: Why no Al Qaeda attacks since Sept. 11 in the U.S.?"

[upchuck]

"There is a bigger puzzle: Why no Al Qaeda attacks since Sept. 11 in the U.S.?"

I agree with your thoughts, Kozak. But I look on this as a blessing from God, not a puzzle.

[Peach]

Hey, upchuck.

Just one dirty bomb on our soil and all bets are off. The gloves would come off and there wouldn't be an Islamic gathering ever held again worth talking about.