This may indicate a determination to maintain major CBW armament programmes in the face of strengthening international norms. CBW represent a new qualitative element in the terrorist threat. Applying a multi-disciplinary approach to the question of CBW terrorism, the authors analyse the requirements for setting up terrorist CBW acquisition programmes, profile terrorist organizations and present computer models of the release of chemical or biological warfare agents using realistic parameters. The processes for manufacturing and disseminating CBW in large quantities are complex. There is little likelihood of the recurrence of an event like the 1995 release of sarin in the Tokyo underground by a religious sect.
Governments thus face a threat that is possible but unlikely to occur.
The key issue is to devise and execute balanced policies. Overreaction can easily lead to country-wide anxiety and paranoia. The UN Security Council, succumbing to the short-term interests of some members, was unable to deal with Iraq's blatant and determined violation of the UN's rules. Thus no inspections have taken place.