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Op-Eds
Op-Eds - Biosecurity
Lessons not learned: Insider threats in pathogen research
The US government's new biosecurity policy and rules for controlling dangerous biological agents take a hands-off approach to monitoring microbiologists, leaving the door open to insider threats.
The thin red line
By setting a chemical weapons "red line" in Syria, the United States may have unintentionally undermined the international taboo against their use.
The meaning of Halabja
The international community's failure to acknowledge repeated Iraqi chemical attacks against Iran during the Iran-Iraq war is central to Tehran's defiance of world opinion in regard to its nuclear enrichment program.
Israel and the WMD-free zone: Has Israel closed the door?
With the 2012 Middle East WMD-Free Zone Conference still on the agenda in Helsinki, speculation remains whether Israel will attend.
Dual-use research after the avian influenza controversy
The H5N1 controversy illustrates why a multidisciplinary, global organization is needed to improve oversight of potentially dangerous research in the life sciences.
Fearful of a nuclear Iran? The real WMD nightmare is Syria
At least six sophisticated terror organizations and Al Qaeda-affiliated fighters from Iraq are active in Syria, which has a large, sophisticated chemical weapons program and, perhaps, a biological arsenal. If the Syrian government falls, who will guard the WMD?
Remembering a humble giant of biological and chemical weapons control
Reflections on the life and accomplishments of Jonathan B. Tucker, 1954-2011.
Biological threats: A matter of balance
Yet again, the WMD Commission has given Washington a failing grade on its preparations to prevent bioterrorism. But the commission's concerns are misplaced.
Opening up the Biological Weapons Convention to new voices
Now more than ever, the BWC has the potential to become an inclusive, interactive community of public and private interests, governments, NGOs, and academics.
Disarmament lessons from the Chemical Weapons Convention
Proponents of nuclear disarmament should look no further than the effort to rid the world of chemical weapons for confirmation that their goals are achievable.
Outlaw nonconsensual human experiments now
Throughout the Cold War, the U.S. government tested the effects of radiation and mind-control drugs on unsuspecting Americans. Think we've come a long way since then? Think again.
Getting chemical weapons destruction back on track
The U.S. Army should reconsider proposed changes to destruction efforts of chemical weapons in order to bolster Washington's reputation internationally.
Restricting the role of biosecurity
The focus of biosecurity should be limited to the prevention of the misuse of life science research for terrorist aims.
Improving the Select Agent Program
Congress should balance biosecurity demands with the need to develop vaccines and medicines to treat the diseases caused by select agents.
How to prevent the next biological agent attack
The investigation of the 2001 anthrax mailings demonstrates that the United States has a long way to go before it's capable of preventing a bioterrorist attack.
Polio eradication: The road to global pathogen security?
The global plan for containing laboratory samples of poliovirus could hold the keys to securing a range of dangerous bacteria and viruses.
Improving infectious disease surveillance
In the places around the globe where new diseases are most likely to emerge, the infrastructure to detect outbreaks is severely lacking.
Setting the nanotech research agenda
When re-upping nanotech R&D funding, Congress should account for the positive impact sound risk and safety assessments would have on the field and the public.