Abstracts » Business, international

Poisoned island

Article Abstract:

Kazakhstan has been blighted by contamination left by the former Soviet Union on an island located in the Aral Sea, which is itself rapidly shrinking, which could make the isalnd accessible on foot. Anthrax and other deadly infections were tested on the island, and animals could spread contamination if a land passage appears. Bacteria were thought unlikely to survive the heat and aridity of the island, but animals have been affected on the northern side of the sea. The island is part-owned by Uzbekistan and part-owned by Kazakhstan, which have to tackle the problem and prevent access by the public.

Environmental aspects, Kazakhstan, Aral Sea

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America the unready

Article Abstract:

John Hopkins University's Center for Civilian Biodefense Studies' Donald Henderson is concern that the threat from bioterrorism could have increased. Information can be otained from the internet, and little is needed in terms of funding and training to produce biological weapons, he argues. Henderson is especially concerned about anthrax and smallpox There are not enough doses of smallpox vaccine, or enough isolation facilities to cope with an outbreak. There could also be genetically engineered pathogens which are used by terrorists, and for which no vaccine has been developed.

Biological warfare, Military aspects

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America the unready

Article Abstract:

US efforts to tighten internal security following the Sep 11, 2001, terrorist attacks have been very mixed. Security plans are hampered by a lack of political will, insufficient funding and little co-ordination between local and federal bodies.

Safety and security measures, Internal security

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