8.1 Counter-WMD Mission

WHO? Non-state actors.

WHAT? Continue to pose a threat for WMD Terrorism.

WHEN? Because they cannot be deterred, they maintain the potential to strike at any time.

WHERE? The 2018 Strategy for Countering WMD seeks to protect the nation from WMD Terrorism.

WHY? To safeguard the nation from domestic catastrophic destruction.

Remember that homeland security began with the 1995 Tokyo Subway Attacks which were significant because it was the first time a non-state actor deployed a Weapon of Mass Destruction. The 1995 Tokyo Subway Attacks sent shockwaves through security establishments around the world because defenses to fend off WMD attacks from nation states do not work against non-state actors. National defenses are predicated on the concept of deterrence, the notion that if you attack me with WMD, I will retaliate with the same, if not worse. Deterrence works against nations because few leaders care to accept a no-win scenario. On the other hand, deterrence is meaningless against non-state actors because you can’t retaliate; you might send them to jail or even kill them, but time-and-again non-state actors have demonstrated their willingness to accept a no-win scenario. In short, they are more willing to commit suicide. So how do you defend against WMD attack from a non-state actor? In December 2018, the Trump Administration issued its new strategy for countering WMD in the hands of non-state actors, what they call: “WMD Terrorism”. The strategy is comprised of eight parts. First, the US is going to Deny terrorist access to WMD agents or weapons. Internationally, this means the US is going to continue to monitor and adhere to treaties banning production and trade in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons. Domestically, it means the US is going to impose tighter controls on the production, transfer, storage, and disposal of CBRN agents. Second, the US is going to Detect and Defeat terrorist WMD plots. Again the best defense again WMD Terrorism is actionable intelligence, both at home and abroad. Third, the US is going to Degrade terrorist WMD technical capabilities. The idea is to keep those with specialized WMD knowledge from working for terrorists. This was a particular concern when many scientists lost their jobs after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. In an unprecedented move at the time, the 1991 Nunn-Lugar Act used American taxpayer money to employ Ukranian scientists to keep them from being recruited for nefarious purposes. Fourth, the US is going to Deter support for WMD terrorism. Again, deterrence doesn’t work against non-state actors, but it will make nations think twice before sponsoring WMD Terrorism. After a series of deadly terror attacks against US military personnel were linked to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, President Reagan authorized Operation El Dorado Canyon launching air attacks against targets inside Libya, including Gaddafi’s residence. Gaddafi survived the raid, but the attacks against US military personnel stopped. Fifth, the US is going to Globalize the WMD Terrorism fight. Essentially, we are will work with other countries and enhance their ability to Deny access to CBRN weapons and agents. Sixth, the US is going to Strengthen its defenses against WMD Terrorism. The US is going to continue developing and deploying sensors capable of detecting and tracking the movement of CBRN agents within the country. Seventh, the US is going to Enhance State and Local preparedness to WMD attack. DHS will use the Homeland Security Grant Program to train and equip First Responders with managing WMD incidents. And finally, eight, the US is going to Avoid technological surprise. The 2018 strategy recognizes that CBRN agents may not be the only things that can create domestic catastrophic destruction. 9/11 succeeded because it was unanticipated. As noted in the 9/11 Commission Report, 9/11 might have been averted had the potential for suicide hijackings been anticipated. To Avoid another 9/11-type surprise attack, the US must continually examine and assess the potential for new and emerging threats.