An expanded Web version of segments seen on CNN

AIFF/WAV audio QuickTime slide show VXtreme streaming video Related sites Preview of next week's segment

Simmering threats remain in vault of Cold War history

Nuclear weapons remain scattered throughout the former Soviet Union

April 16, 1998
Web posted at: 10:08 a.m. EDT (1408 GMT)

From Correspondent Rick Lockridge

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (CNN) -- The Cold War may be over, but many experts agree the world is still not safe from weapons of mass destruction.

In fact, in the hands of terrorists or rogue nations, nuclear, biological and chemical weapons could be more dangerous than ever. World arms control experts recently gathered in New Mexico to look for ways to lessen the threat.

Watch Rick Lockridge's full report VXtreme streaming video (2:00)

Nuclear devices scattered and poorly monitored throughout the former Soviet Union are just one type of Cold War leftover that has world leaders concerned.

And the risk that some of these weapons will be stolen or sold only grows with time, according to Sen. Pete Domenici, R-New Mexico. (91K/7 sec. AIFF or WAV sound)

Yet loose nukes were just one of many issues discussed at the International Arms Control Summit in Albuquerque. During the weekend conference, representatives from 32 countries and 250 experts dissected innumerable problems of modern terrorist warfare.

Today, technological solutions are helping countries keep track of their most destructive weapons.

The United States is testing sensors designed to monitor sites half a world away, and catch intruders on tape. A satellite-based system that can detect large explosions is also being tested.

The International Arms Control Summit in Albuquerque

John Holum, of the U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency, said technology can be a friend of arms control. (107K/10 sec. AIFF or WAV sound)

But no technology or strategy has been found that can protect against threats like the 1995 chemical attack on a subway in Japan.

Richard Falkenrath of Harvard University said there are new terrorist groups emerging whose only aim is to cause massive destruction. (73K/6 sec. AIFF or WAV sound)

Dave Barber of Sandia National Laboratories and John Holum discuss the use of technology for arms control
	250K/20 sec./160x120 QuickTime slide show

Experts call it the NBC threat -- nuclear, biological, chemical. They say a single successful attack could be devastating, but they fear preparation will be inadequate until there's a crisis.

Falkenrath said there's a real risk the United States won't move aggressively to reduce its vulnerability to weapons of mass destruction until such an attack occurs on U.S. soil.

The message from Albuquerque seemed to be: Prepare now or suffer the consequences later.

Check out what's coming up on next week's Tomorrow/Today

Related stories:

• Tomorrow/Today: U.S. cities gird for possible chemical attacks - February 20, 1998
• U.S. takes precautions against chemical terrorism at home - February 15, 1998
• China says U.S. nuclear worries 'exaggerated' - December 9, 1996
• US: China is observing arms control deals - October 9, 1996

Related sites:

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

• U.S. Arms Control and Disarmament Agency
• Sandia National Laboratories
  • Eighth Annual Arms Control Conference (April 3-5, 1998)
• Senator Pete V. Domenici, R-New Mexico
• Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs - Harvard University
  • Prof. Richard Falkenrath

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.

---

 

---

Sound off on our message boards & chat

© 1998 Cable News Network, Inc.
A Time Warner Company
All Rights Reserved.

Terms under which this service is provided to you.
Read our privacy guidelines.