[20050124]RS21293_对海港的恐怖主义核袭击：威胁和反应.pdf

1 ABT Associates, “The Economic Impact of Nuclear Terrorist Attacks on Freight TransportSystems in an Age of Seaport Vulnerability,” executive summary, April 30, 2003, p. 7,http:/ Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS21293Updated January 24, 2005Terrorist Nuclear Attacks on Seaports: Threat and ResponseJonathan MedaliaSpecialist in National DefenseForeign Affairs, Defense, and Trade DivisionSummaryA terrorist nuclear attack on a U.S. seaport could cause local devastation and affectthe global economy. Terrorists might obtain a bomb in several ways, though each posesdifficulties. Ability to detect a bomb appears limited. The United States is usingtechnology, intelligence, international cooperation, etc., to try to thwart an attack. Issuesfor Congress include safeguarding foreign nuclear material, mitigating economic effectsof an attack, and allocating funds between ports and other potential targets. This reportwill be updated as needed.BackgroundTerrorists have tried to obtain weapons of mass destruction (WMD) chemical,biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons. While it would probably be more difficultfor terroris