There are also worries that it might mutate in forms that could be used by terrorists or traffickers themselves. The Anglo-American secret project is a direct threat to the financial prosperity of some of the most powerful and ruthless criminals in the world. Drug cartels threatened with the loss of their livelihood could themselves acquire the technology and use a form of agricultural terrorism in revenge attacks against the Western developers of the pathogens. Loyal American client states have balked at participation in the program. In addition to Uzbekistan, both Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan have been urged to participate in field trials.
Work continues at an accelerated pace driven by visions of imminent success.
What the report fails to address is the ultimate cost to the environment and humanity if the scientists and politico-drug warriors are wrong. Dr. John C. K. Daly received his doctorate from the School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University of London in Russian and Middle Eastern Studies. He is currently a scholar at the Middle East Institute, Washington.