Military History | How To Make War | Wars Around the World Rules of Use How to Behave on an Internet Forum
On War and Warfare Discussion Board
   Return to Topic Page
Subject: Terrorists nuke a city, under what conditions would nuclear deterrent be used?
econ-nut    12/8/2008 6:50:52 AM
There has been a lot of speculative discussion about the probability of terrorists being able to get hold of a nuclear weapon. Its still quite unlikely, but increased proliferation of fissile material and nuclear technology in general,especially by "dodgy" or unpredictable regimes can only make this more likely. What would happen, if terrorists set off a device in a major (say western European or US if you like) city? Would military leaders or politicians start to consider using nukes back? Obviously there are the problems of identifying your target, if its terrorists its probably a smuggled bomb rather than a missile, so who do you aim a reprisal at? How could you prove it was such-and-such a country sponsoring the terrorists/providing weapon? would a conventional response be used instead? What happens though when a second city goes.... or a third?... (assuming you don't know how many bombs they may have access to) Nightmare scenario, just realized this may have been used as plot for a film? in any case I'm not suggesting turning the middle east to glass, before anyone pipes up with that! or anyone else for that matter.
 
Quote    Reply

Show Only Poster Name and Title     Newest to Oldest



 Latest
 News
 
 Most
 Read
 
 Most
 Commented
 Hot
 Topics