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By Category: Biological Weapons

Biological Attack Threat Cited as Pentagon Bolsters Defenses

(Bloomberg) The Pentagon is increasing spending to combat biological threats, such as highly toxic ricin, as U.S. spy agencies warn that a terrorist group might conduct a “limited” attack “in the next year.” While a mass attack by foreign terrorist groups using a chemical, biological or radiological weapon in the U.S. is “unlikely” in the Read More »

February 1, 2012
| Filed under North America, Biological Weapons, and Policy & Initiatives
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A hinge moment for the BWC?

(Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists) Although it was an eleventh-hour decision, the Seventh Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC) Review Conference in Geneva did manage to produce a consensus final document this past December. As the saying goes, “a win is a win,” and in the end the final document — adopted with less than Read More »

January 31, 2012
| Filed under Africa, Asia/Pacific, Europe, Middle East, North America, South America, South Asia, Biological Weapons, International, and Policy & Initiatives
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Former South African Biowarfare Chief Loses Appeal in Professional Probe

(Global Security Newswire ) The one-time manager of South Africa’s apartheid-era biological and chemical weapons programs has lost a legal appeal for the dismissal of four ethics charges leveled against him by a professional review board, the BBC reported on Friday. Cardiologist Wouter Basson, nicknamed “Dr. Death,” had sought nullification of the four charges under Read More »

January 30, 2012
| Filed under Africa and Biological Weapons
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Bio-security, an emerging challenge

(Hindu Business Line) Action is needed at the national and international levels to deal with this threat. Biotech research is conducted in a wide range of institutions, in government laboratories, universities, and by the private sector. Freedom to do research in biotechnology shouldn’t be hampered, and intellectual property rights must be protected. However, the risks Read More »

January 27, 2012
| Filed under South Asia, Biological Weapons, Biosafety, Biotechnology, Bioterrorism, and Policy & Initiatives
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Pakistani Lawmakers Delay Biological Weapons Pact Bill

(Global Security Newswire) Pakistani lawmakers on Wednesday postponed consideration of a bill aimed at ensuring the nation meets its obligations as a member of the Biological Weapons Convention over questions about specific elements of the proposal, Pakistan Today reported. The National Assembly’s foreign affairs panel asked Pakistani Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir to address a provision stating Read More »