CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- December 8, 2008

Primate center unveils biosafety lab [LA]
“Five years in the making and prompted by an influx of federal financing for bioterrorism research after anthrax scares and the Sept. 11 attacks, Tulane University’s [LA] National Primate Research Center on Friday showed off its new $27.5 million lab for studying airborne contaminants and infectious diseases. The Regional Biosafety Laboratory, a 38,000-square-foot facility within the center near Covington, is not expected to open for business until mid-summer, but on Friday morning, national, state and local officials used an oversized pair of scissors to cut a green ribbon, officially marking the lab's completion. ‘The focus is how you prevent exposure for a new emergent disease that is moving this way, or for a bioterrorism event,’ said Andrew Lackner, the center’s director. He said the facility will work ‘to protect the community and the nation.’” (Times-Picayune; 06Dec08; Benjamin Alexander-Bloch)
http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1228544506295490.xml&coll=1

Data published in Nature Medicine highlights ability of Peregrine Pharmaceuticals’ bavituximab to cure lethal virus infections
“Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, Inc. reported publication of data in Nature Medicine that supports the broad anti-viral potential of the company's novel anti-phosphatidylserine (anti-PS) antibody platform, showing that its PS-targeting drug bavituximab can cure lethal virus infections in animal disease models. Bavituximab is in clinical trials for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and in preclinical development for the treatment of viral hemorrhagic fevers under a contract worth up to $44.4 million with the bioterrorism program of the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA).” (NewsRx.com; 12Dec08)
http://www.newsrx.com/article.php?articleID=1350558

Secret labs outsourced by Defra [U.K.’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs]
“Britain’s top-secret laboratories battling to prevent outbreaks of anthrax, foot-and-mouth, mad cow disease and Asian bird flu with some installations so sensitive they do not officially exist have been privatised. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is transferring the maintenance of 186 sites and 800 Civil servants to outsourcing specialist Interserve. The contract includes three labs, whose work is so top secret their locations are undisclosed. […] Interserve, which also provides private-sector services to Buckingham Palace, said the 15-year Defra contract will be worth at least £500 million.” (The Daily Mail; 05Dec08) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/article-1092263/Top-secret-laboratories-outsourced-Defra.html

Earmark helps [NY] businesses, not troops
“Scientists have discovered a lotion that can save the lives of U.S. soldiers exposed to chemical weapons a product vastly superior to the standard-issue decontamination powder. […] But there’s a problem: After being lobbied by the companies making the powder, several members of Congress pushed through two earmarks worth $7.6 million that forced the military for the past two years to keep buying the inferior product. The product, known as M291, is made from a resin sold exclusively by a Pennsylvania chemical company, which is then processed into powder by a New York company, then assembled into individual kits at a facility in Arkansas. Among the lawmakers who championed the earmarks are Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., Arlen Specter, R-Pa.; and Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.” (Seattle Times; 08Dec08; Christine Willamsen and David Heath) http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008479423_apwaearmarkreport.html

[U.S. oil-services firm] Schlumberger's Iran sale [of ‘dirty bomb’ useable materials] raises questions
“The U.S. oil-services firm Schlumberger is using a legal loophole to supply machines with radioactive chemicals to Iran, The Boston Globe reported Sunday. The Globe says its investigation revealed the company has sold a 2,000-pound drilling tool to Iran powered by a kind of radioactive chemical that scientists say could fuel a so-called ‘dirty bomb.’ U.S. officials have sought to keep the chemical out of Iranian hands, but Schlumberger made the sale using a legal loophole allowing multinational corporations to employ foreign subsidiaries to sidestep U.S. sanctions, the Globe said. […] Victor Comras, a specialist on international trade embargoes, said Schlumberger's oil tools sale to Iran ‘is certainly activity that goes against the spirit, if not the letter, of the law.’” (United Press International; 07Dec08; Source: Boston Globe) http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/12/07/Schlumbergers_Iran_sale_raises_questions/UPI-90781228672600/

U.S. commission [on the prevention of weapons of mass destruction, proliferation, and terrorism] says urgent need to secure Pakistan's biological and nuclear weapons
“A U.S. bipartisan commission has warned that the next attacks on America might originate from Pakistan’s volatile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), adding that there is an urgent need for Washington to secure Pakistan’s biological and nuclear weapons. The report, which was due to be presented to U.S. President Bush on Wednesday, says: ‘Indeed, many government officials and outside experts believe that the next terrorist attack against the US is likely to originate from within the Federally Administered Tribal Areas in Pakistan.’[…] [The report] warns that the recently-concluded US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement may significantly affect Asian security, saying incoming President Barack Obama will have to manage the actions that states may take in response to the agreement.” (News Track India; 07Dec08; Source: Asian News
International)
http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/46429

India, Russia sign milestone nuclear pact, vow to fight terror
“The two strategic partners [India and Russia], whose ties have ‘withstood the test of time,’ signed 10 agreements in areas ranging from Civil space programme, Civil nuclear cooperation, economy, tourism and defence, and combatting terrorism. […] Reiterating their commitment to a multi-polar world, the two countries discussed a host of global issues, including terrorism, the global financial crisis, the Iranian nuclear issue, trilateral cooperation between India, Russia and China, and reform of leading international institutions.” (Newstrack India; 05Dec08; Source:
Indo-Asian News Service)
http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/46079

World leaders try to ban nuclear weapons
“A new international group committed to eliminating nuclear weapons over the next 25 years has enlisted scores of world leaders as its campaign gets under way at a conference in Paris on Tuesday. […] The group, Global Zero, is proposing deep cuts in U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals, a verification and enforcement system, and phased reduction leading to the elimination of all stockpiles. […] Ultimately, the planners are hoping to stage a world summit in January 2010. More than 100 political, military, business, religious and civic leaders have lent their support to the campaign. ‘In recent months, the threat of proliferation and nuclear terrorism has led to a growing chorus of world leaders calling for the elimination of all nuclear weapons,’ the group said in a statement announcing its plans.” (The China Post; 08Dec08; Source: Associated Press; Barry Schweid) http://www.chinapost.com.tw/international/europe/2008/12/08/186640/World-leaders.htm

Commentary [by Peter Bergen, CNN National Security Analyst]: WMD terrorism fears overblown
“Terrorists have already used weapons of mass destruction in the past decade in attacks around the world, and they have proven to be something of a dud. […] In fact, there is only one weapon of mass destruction that can kill tens or hundreds of thousands and that is a nuclear device. […] Even if al Qaeda successfully deployed a crude chemical, biological or radiological weapon […] these would be weapons of mass disruption, whose principal effect would be panic -- not mass casualties. […] What we are likely to see again and again are the tried and tested tactics that terrorists have used for decades: […] Deploying true WMDs remains beyond the capabilities of terrorist groups today and for the foreseeable future.” (CNN.com; 05Dec08; Peter Bergen) http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/05/bergen.wmd/index.html?iref=newssearch

[U.S. Representative Jane] Harman [D-CA] warns against overplaying WMD ‘fear card’
“After a series of dire new warnings about possible terrorist threats -- capped by a government commission's report [from the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction, Proliferation, and terrorism] that terrorists are likely to stage a biological or nuclear attack somewhere in the world during the next five years -- some experts are urging officials ‘to retire the fear card,’ as California Rep. Jane Harman puts it. ... Harman, who heads the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence and terrorism Risk Assessment, added, ‘It’s time for the rhetoric about that threat to calm, instead of inflame, an anxious public.’” (U.S. News & World Report: 08Dec08) http://www.usnews.com/usnews/politics/bulletin/bulletin_081208.htm

CNS ChemBio-WMD terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.

Guard's Only Stryker Brigade Prepares for Iraq Deployment

By Army Sgt. Sheila Holifield
American Forces Press Service

Dec. 2, 2008 - About 4,000 soldiers representing the National Guard's only Stryker brigade will deploy to Iraq in early 2009. The Pennsylvania National Guard's 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team has been transforming to a Stryker brigade since October 2004.

After they were alerted of their pending deployment in October 2007, the brigade's soldiers have been training at the Joint Forces Training Center here. They will continue on to Fort Polk, La., for additional training before they make their way to Iraq.

"The training we have done at Camp Shelby has been a good building block allowing us to expand upon what we were previously doing," Army Col. Mike Ferraro, commander of the 56th SBCT, said.

Though more than half of the soldiers deploying with the SBCT have prior deployment experience, Ferraro said, training still is vital to the mission.

"Times have changed and continue to change as we prepare to deploy, so we must train on those current tactics, techniques and procedures in order to be successful," he said.

Army Capt. Joseph Ruotolo, commander of Pennsylvania's Battery B, 1st Battalion, 109th Field Artillery, agreed.

"This war is different from any other," he said, "and as a result, a lot of the operations and success of this war is driven by the noncommissioned officers and junior leaders. Because that responsibility is now pushed down to the junior leaders, this war is all about being a good basic soldier."

In addition to mastering basic skills such as using a radio, knowing their weapon, navigating over land, reading a map and performing preventive maintenance checks and services, he said, soldiers also need to bring the right frame of mind to the fight.

"Being a good basic soldier and a good basic human being with honorable moral and ethical character are the ingredients to the success of this war we are fighting," Ruotolo said.

In addition to training at Joint Forces Training Center here, the SBCT has worked with the 2nd Infantry Division's 4th Brigade out of Fort Lewis, Wash. -- an active-duty Stryker brigade -- to prepare for their mission.

The active-duty soldiers taught the guardsmen current tactics, techniques and procedures being used in Iraq. They also conducted Stryker-specific training and shared what they learned from being overseas, Ferraro said.

"Having them here to work with us at Camp Shelby has been one of the biggest benefits we have been able to get," Ferraro said. "The partnership has benefited us immensely."

Ferraro noted that the active-duty soldiers have been thoroughly professional in helping the guardsmen prepare for their deployment.

"They are not looking at the patch and the fact that we are National Guard," he said. "We are all soldiers and all out to do the same thing in the Stryker community."

National Guard soldiers often are able to lend civilian-acquired skills to an operational environment, and Ferraro said this deployment will be no different.

"If we are working with Iraq police forces, we can pull from all of our police officers; same thing if we are working with the local community to build schools and curriculum, we can pull from all the teachers in our brigade," he said.

Ferraro said his soldiers are ready for what lies ahead.

"My soldiers want to show everyone that they made the right decision by putting the 56th SBCT in the Pennsylvania National Guard," he said. "We are making history, and we wouldn't trade our position for anything in the world."

(Army Sgt. Sheila Holifield serves with 1st Army Division East's 177th Armored Brigade Public Affairs Office.)

DHS’ FIFTH ANNUAL NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign joined with more than 3,200 National Preparedness Month coalition members in the month of September to educate individuals, families and communities on the importance of emergency preparedness. This year’s coalition of national, regional, state, and local organizations was the largest in the five year history of National Preparedness Month, and represents a 4,000 percent increase in participation to date.

“We’ve made great strides over the past five years in encouraging Americans to take steps to get prepared and to get involved during National Preparedness Month,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “But, the civic duty we all share to prepare ourselves, our home and work for an emergency does not end in September. Disasters can happen at any time, and I urge all Americans to make personal preparedness a priority in their daily lives.”

National Preparedness Month began in September 2004 with 80 coalition members. Participation has grown steadily each year, to include roughly 1,400 coalition members joining in 2007. The largest area of growth has been from nonprofit organizations, followed by military, faith-based and health organizations.

This year, National Preparedness Month coalition members coordinated more than 420 events and activities across the country, ranging from seminars and fairs, to community outreach events, workshops, webinars, and training. They include:

Pennsylvania joined the growing list of states and regions that have localized the Ready Campaign by launching ReadyPA during National Preparedness Month. ReadyPA unveiled a web site and localized public service advertisements that direct citizens to visit www.readypa.org for local emergency preparedness information. ReadyPA also partnered with Wal-Mart to feature in-store displays with key emergency kit items and informational handouts in 84 stores statewide.

Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM): ADEM highlighted National Preparedness Month by partnering with local sports teams. They displayed a new Mobile Communications Unit outside War Memorial Stadium for the Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Louisiana Monroe football game on Sept. 6. ADEM distributed literature and played Ready Campaign public service advertisements during the game, which had an estimated 60,000 people in attendance.

ADEM also held preparedness nights at Dickey-Stevens Park, a minor league baseball stadium in North Little Rock. The Ready Campaign’s public service announcements were played during playoff and championship games, and ADEM employees distributed brochures with information on how to put together a family emergency kit.

Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security (OKOHS): OKOHS partnered with Radio Disney to host a kick-off event at the Tulsa Zoo. Vendors distributed information and OKOHS handed out items promoting Ready Oklahoma and emergency preparedness. OKOHS and Radio Disney also held a preparedness competition for schools in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, where the most “prepared” school in each district received a “Rockin’ Recess.”

In addition, OKOHS, Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club partnered to host a statewide Emergency Preparedness Weekend from Sept. 19-21, when stores displayed emergency preparedness kits and provided preparedness information.

For additional information on National Preparedness Month 2008, please visit www.ready.gov.

CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News-September 19, 2008

Fourth mystery package for [Representative Tom] Feeney [R-FL]
“A suspicious envelope addressed to the Washington, D.C., office of U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney was found last Thursday by U.S. House officials, a spokeswoman said. This is the fourth suspicious envelope addressed to Feeney offices, all similar in appearance, since Sept. 8 [2008]. One envelope arrived at each of his Florida offices, in Port Orange, Orlando near the University of Central Florida, and Titusville. The first three were deemed to contain baking flour by inspectors. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating.” (Seminole Voice; 19Sep08; Jenny Andreasson)
http://seminolevoice.com/Seminole_Voice/article.asp?ID=940

FDA proposes label requirements for refused imported foods
“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued a proposed rule designed to reduce a practice known as ‘port shopping’ which puts the safety of imported food at risk. […] When FDA refuses to admit a food into the United States, the food must be exported or destroyed. But some persons attempt to bring the refused food back into the United States in the same condition by shipping it to another U.S. port in hopes that the food will be admitted there. The proposed regulation would require that shipping containers of food barred from entry, and any accompanying documents, be labeled as refused. The label would make it easier for FDA to detect previously-refused food. The proposed rule implements a provision of the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 […].” (U.S. FDA; 18Sep08; Michael Herndon) http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01888.html

Homeland Security and Sesame Street team up to indoctrinate the nation's youth
“Today's youngsters will be adequately trained in emergency preparedness by the likes of Grover. The partnership is aimed at children, and seeks to encourage family preparedness plans in the case of emergencies, such as terrorist attacks, biological warfare, and maybe even a devastating hurricane.” (Cleveland Leader; 18Sep08)
http://www.clevelandleader.com/node/6808

SIGA Technologies [Inc.] receives additional $20 million from NIH [National Institutes of Health] for ST-246 antiviral therapeutic development
“SIGA Technologies, Inc. […] today announced that it has received an additional $20 million from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID), a division of the National Institutes of Health […]. The Office of the Biomedical Advance Research and Development Authority (BARDA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has provided this funding to NIAID to advance research and development of biodefense products such as ST-246. […] Dr. Eric Rose, SIGA's Chief Executive Officer, continued, ‘We have made considerable achievements thus far in our R&D efforts with ST-246, and are confident that we are on the right path to bring this drug to market to help prevent or contain the effects of any biological warfare attack using the smallpox virus in the United States or around the world, should the need arise.’” (Trading Markets; 18Sep08) http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/1891238/

[Senator] Leahy [D-VT]: Suspect [Bruce Ivins] had help in anthrax attacks
“The chairman of the of Senate Judiciary Committee said Wednesday he does not believe that Dr. Bruce Ivins acted alone in the deadly 2001 anthrax attacks. Sen. Patrick Leahy was one of the targets of the lethal anthrax-laced letters that killed five and sickened 17 in fall 2001. […] Leahy did not say why he believed Ivins had help and he also cast doubt that the Army scientist was the attacker in the first place. […] Republicans shared Leahy's doubts surrounding the case. Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, the top GOP member of the panel, said he had problems with some of the evidence against Ivins that has been made public. In a testy exchange with [FBI Director Robert] Mueller, he also demanded to have a say in selecting scientists who will be performing an independent review […].” (Associated Press; 17Sep08; Lara Jakes Jordan) http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gBlAAdzjtMryYGvNIIVF1k02ZFMwD938MQA80

Scientist concedes 'honest mistake' about weaponized anthrax [assessment from ‘Amerithrax’ investigation]
“An acclaimed government scientist who assisted the federal investigation of the 2001 anthrax mailings said Tuesday that he erred seven years ago when he told top Bush administration officials that material he examined probably had been altered to make it more deadly. The scientist, Peter B. Jahrling, had observed anthrax spores with the aid of an electron microscope at the government's biological warfare research facility at Ft. Detrick, Md. […] Jahrling […] believed […] that silicon had been added to anthrax recovered from a letter addressed to then-Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD). The presence of silicon was viewed with alarm because the material, if artificially added to the anthrax, would make it more buoyant in air and more capable of penetrating deeply into the lungs. […] Jahrling said […] that he had been ‘overly impressed’ by what he thought he saw under the microscope.” (Los Angeles Times; 17Sep08; David Willman) http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-anthrax17-2008sep17,0,1753550.story

Midwest public health workers prepare for bioterrorism, other threats with Meridian LMS [learning management system]
“Meridian Knowledge Solutions, LLC is implementing the software-as-a-service (SaaS) version of its learning management system (LMS)for ‘Prepare Iowa,’ which is a partnership of the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Institute for Public Health Practice at the University of Iowa's College of Public Health. […] To access the Prepare Iowa LMS, public health professionals log in online and establish an account. From there, they can find training on subjects ranging from bioterrorism to program evaluation.” (PR Canada; 17Sep08)
http://pr-canada.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=46002&Itemid=65

Australia boosts bio-security defenses
“Australia has opened a new National Center for Bio-Security to build its defenses against infectious diseases and biological weapons. Medical experts say it will help protect the country from threats such as SARS and bird flu as well as attacks by terrorists or rogue scientists. […] Its researchers will look at ways to combat biological warfare, naturally occurring diseases and the theft or misuse of sensitive research on micro-organisms. In addition, they will study the dangers posed by synthetic biology […].” (VOA News; 16Sep08; Phil Mercer) http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-09-16-voa8.cfm

EnWave Corporation announces major advancement in pharmaceutical dehydration technology
“EnWave Corporation today announced that it has made a major innovation in its Radiant Energy Vacuum (‘REV’) pharmaceutical dehydration technology to allow for a significant reduction in the moisture content of dried vaccine products. […] Production of dried live pharmaceuticals, such as vaccines, storable at room temperatures would be considered a major industry breakthrough. Dried vaccines with long shelf-life could be shipped worldwide, stored without the need for expensive, constant refrigeration, and stockpiled to protect against pandemic diseases and bioterrorism. The current ‘gold standard’ for dehydrating many liquid pharmaceuticals is freeze drying (‘lyophilization’). This process is expensive, time consuming and often results in significant loss of bioactivity during dehydration.” (Trading Markets; 18Sep08; Source: EnWave Corporation) http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/1890416/

[Sri Lankan] Military: Navy sinks 10 rebel boats, killing 25
“The Sri Lankan Military says naval forces have sunk 10 Tamil Tiger boats and killed at least 25 rebel sailors in a major sea battle off the country's northwest. The Military says the battle started about 11 a.m. Thursday off the coast at Nachchikuda and lasted for four hours. Military spokesman Udaya Nanayakkara says naval forces sank seven small boats belonging to the Tamil Tigers' naval wing and three medium-sized boats. […] The Sri Lankan authorities on Thursday ordered tens of thousands of ethnic Tamils living in Colombo to register with police as fighting in the country's civil war with Tamil separatists grew fiercer. Fresh fighting along the northern front lines killed 25 rebels and one soldier, the Military said Thursday, while brushing off reports the Tamil Tigers had unleashed deadly chemical weapons against advancing troops. As the fighting intensified in recent months, the rebels have been blamed for a series of deadly attacks on buses, trains and other targets in the capital and other towns that have killed scores of civilians far from the war zone. Authorities established a maze of roadblocks and checkpoints and continuously changed traffic patterns in Colombo in an effort to prevent new attacks.” (Associated Press; 18Sep08; Ravi Nessman) http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gVoaDFmbCYS-Usz9ACDRIengj21QD9393IT00

In Short LTTE [Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam] has no chemical weapons capability – [according to] Military spokesman [Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara]
“Military spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara vehemently denied that the LTTE has the capability of using chemical weapons on the battlefield. […] He affirmed that the LTTE had used CS [Corson & Stoughton’s] gas during the clash in Akkaraynkulam [11Sep08]. ‘The LTTE used the CS gas to resist the Security Forces advancing in Akkarayankulam. Six soldiers who suffered breathing difficulties were admitted to hospital and were discharged,’ he added. Brigadier Nanayakkara said the CS gas was used by the LTTE in the current battlefield at an experimental level. ‘According to intelligence information the LTTE is at an experimental level of using CS gas,’ he added. He elaborated that the CS gas generally used for anti-hijack or hostage operations. ‘The Security Forces are capable of facing such situation and are provided with masks,’ he added.” (Daily News; 19Sep08; Rafik Jalaldeen) http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/09/19/news61.asp

U.S. and Canadian agencies respond to simulated WMD [Sweetgrass, Montana]
“A simulated attempt to smuggle a dirty bomb into the U.S. using the railroad drew a massive cross-border response here Thursday […]. Six months in the planning and at an estimated cost of about $20,000, the exercise involved eight Canadian agencies, seven federal agencies, seven state agencies, and the Montana National Guard. Several local law enforcement agencies from the Sweetgrass area also participated, along with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and the Rocky Mountain Integrated Border Enforcement Team.” (Helena Independent Record; 18Sep08; Martin J. Kidston) http://www.helenair.com/articles/2008/09/18/top/42lo_080918_wmd.txt

Emergency exercise will test our readiness
“Plymouth-Canton staff and students will be put to the test this morning with a hazardous material incident at Plymouth High School that will trigger an evacuation. All Plymouth High, students will actually participate in the exercise and be removed from the school. At the same time, students and staff at all the other schools in the district will be holding ‘shelter in place’ exercises during the course of the day. […] Other mock exercises today will include a live burn at the massive Marathon Oil facility in Detroit and several terrorist attacks, including a radiological dirty bomb, in Oakland County. Put together, it is being billed as one of the most comprehensive disaster training exercises ever performed in this country […].” (Hometown Life; 18Sep08)
http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080918/OPINION/809180481

Fears of US-Russia breakdown on WMD dismantlement
“The authors of a U.S. program designed to secure weapons of mass destruction in the former Soviet Union say they worry that deteriorating relations between the United States and Russia could undermine efforts to keep the weapons out of the hands of terrorists. Sen. Richard Lugar [R-IN] and former Sen. Sam Nunn [D-GA] say the two countries have continued working together to secure nuclear, chemical and biological weapons despite growing hostility after Russia's invasion of Georgia last month. […] The current concern comes as Russia and the United States have begun to draw down cooperation on many fronts. The United States already has suspended joint Military programs and withdrawn an agreement for civilian nuclear cooperation that it had hailed previously as a breakthrough. It has promised further action. Russia, in turn, has hinted that it could halt cooperation on efforts to rein in Iran's nuclear program.” (Associated Press; 18Sep08; Desmond Butler) http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jttDn6BPh7apBLSIhN9th0IC1udgD9393RC00

PharmAthene to present data for Protexia(R) and Valortim(R) at HHS [Department of Health & Human Services] PHEMCE [Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise] Stakeholders Workshop 2008 “PharmAthene, Inc. […] announced today that the Company will present two poster presentations and an oral presentation on its Protexia(R) and Valortim(R) medical countermeasures programs at the upcoming HHS Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise (PHEMCE) Stakeholders Workshop […]. Protexia(R), a recombinant version of human butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), is being developed as a pre-and post-exposure therapy for casualties on the battlefield or civilian victims of nerve agent attacks. Valortim(R), in co-development with Medarex, Inc., is a fully human monoclonal antibody designed to treat and protect against inhalational anthrax.” (PR Newswire; 18Sep08) http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/09-18-2008/0004888089&EDATE

Keep Israel and Syria talking
“The indirect negotiations between Syria and Israel that began last May have gone as far as they can. Their purpose --to break the ice between the two states after eight years of not talking, and to test one another's resolve over certain issues --has been achieved. Now, Syrian President Bashar Assad wants to move forward, as evidenced in his proposal to Israel for direct peace talks at a recent four-way summit in Damascus involving Syria, Turkey, France and Qatar. […] While Israel may have no big concerns about a conventional Military confrontation with Syria, it does worry about the latter's stockpile of chemical and biological weapons (CBW) and its surface-to-surface missiles. Syria has been developing its CBW capability since the 1980s and has gained the capacity in recent years to launch large numbers of medium and long-range rockets. If tipped with chemical or biological warheads, these rockets could cause significant damage and terror in Israel. Do these Military considerations rule out any chance of war, then? Not necessarily. Conflict between the two countries could still occur […].” (Middle East Times; 18Sep08; Bilal Y. Saab & Bruce O. Riedel, Brookings Institute) http://www.metimes.com/Opinion/2008/09/17/keep_israel_and_syria_talking/8362/

CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD Terrorism.

CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- September 15, 2008

Designer DNA’ firms step up security over bioterrorism threat
“According to a report in New Scientist in 2005, some gene synthesis companies were not checking their orders for potentially dangerous DNA sequences. Since then, the US National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity has called for better screening. Now, the Industry Association of Synthetic Biology (IASB) has said that its members will carry a seal of approval on their websites confirming that they do screen their orders. […] IASB members will cooperate to improve the software used to identify suspicious orders and will set up a secure database detailing which DNA sequences make pathogens highly virulent.” (Top News-Health; 15Sep08; Mohit Joshi)
http://www.topnews.in/health/designer-dna-firms-step-security-over-bioterrorism-threat-24414

State lawmakers’ agenda includes health care, energy and transportation funding [Pennsylvania]
“But the short calendar leaves Rep. Ken Smith, D-112, frustrated. Mr.
Smith hoped to see action this fall on his bill to give state officials specific authority to deal with everything from quarantines to supplies of antibiotics in the event of a bioterrorism attack or pandemic. The measure would revamp state public health laws to reflect the post-9/11 era. Now he frets there isn’t enough time to take this major bill. ‘If you are looking at only nine session days, how are we going to get that done?’ he asked.”
(Daily Review; 15 Sep08; Robert Swift)
http://www.thedailyreview.com/articles/2008/09/15/news/tw_review.20080915.a.pg7.tw15swift_s1.1947043_loc.txt

Boy Scout OK after bout with bubonic plague [contracted in Wyoming]
“He arrived at MidState Medical Center’s emergency room with a swollen gland and high fever, and was placed on antibiotics for a suspected case of the mumps until tests later determined he had bubonic plague. […] ‘I didn’t believe it,’ said Dr. Jaber Aslanzadeh, director of microbiology at the lab. ‘I said, Oh my God, this can’t be. I have been in business for 20 years, and this is the first time I had seen it.’ The laboratory does bioterrorism testing for the state Department of Health and, following protocol, they notified the department of the rare find. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta confirmed the finding.” (Boston Herald; 14Sep08; Source: AP) http://news.bostonherald.com/news/national/northeast/view/2008_09_14_Boy_Scout_OK_after_bout_with_bubonic_plague_1/srvc=home&position=recent

Anthrax probe prompts feds to review lab security
“Scientists accustomed to working alone with deadly pathogens could be forced to buddy up in the laboratory as military officials and civilian contractors review security measures in the wake of the FBI's conclusions about the 2001 anthrax mailings. Some scientists object to expanding the ‘two-person’ rule. They say besides the practical issues of having to work with someone else, placing a second person in the lab wouldn't prevent a scientist from sneaking out a smidgeon of material — under their fingernail, for example.[…] Jeffrey J. Adamovicz, a former head of USAMRIID's [U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases] bacteriology division, said microbiologists often must visit their labs at odd hours to check on or prepare for experiments. ‘Often times, you need to pull something out of a freezer and initiate a culture. A person would come in on a Sunday morning and do that so it would be ready for them on Sunday afternoon. Now you're saying you have to find somebody on a Sunday morning. That's ruining their weekend for a half-hour procedure — it's that kind of issue,’ Adamovicz said.” (Associated Press; 13Sep08; David
Dishneau)
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jO3nR_FFa9T5ylSioLYjBEWVTOEwD935EQC01

Envelope with flour closes senator's office [Florida State Senator Evelyn Lynn-R]
“The white powdery substance inside a suspicious envelope sent to state Sen. Evelyn Lynn's beachside office Friday turned out to be flour. It took a cadre of firefighters, Police officers, hazardous materials experts and an FBI agent all baking under the sultry afternoon sun for four hours to come to that conclusion. Some of those emergency workers had been through the same drill just four days earlier, when an envelope containing white powder that was also eventually determined to be flour showed up at U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney's [FL-R] office in Port Orange.” (News-Journal; 13Sep08; Eileen Zaffiro) http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/Headlines/frtHEAD03091308.htm

Volunteers needed for medical emergency sites
“Hope for the best, and plan for the worst. That's the idea behind a federal program organized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 72 metropolitan areas nationwide, including Palm Beach and Broward counties [Florida], in which local agencies or volunteers dispense medication and information in the event of a public health emergency. Plans vary city to city, but hundreds of volunteers and Palm Beach County Health Department employees are set up to operate 45 strategically placed points of distributing, or PODs, around the county. […] PODs were organized in the wake of the 2001 anthrax attacks, the largest bio-terror attack in American history. Anthrax-laced letters were discovered in a Boca Raton office building, New York, New Jersey and Washington D.C.” (Sun Sentinel; 13Sep08; Khari Johnson) http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-flppods0913pnsep13,0,5675480.story

White powder sent to Star Banner not anthrax
“Ocala Police Department officials said Friday morning that preliminary tests on the white powder contained in an envelope delivered to the Star-Banner on Thursday were negative for radioactive, explosive or biological components. After the powder was discovered, it was transported by officials with the health department to a laboratory in Jacksonville for testing.” (Ocala; 13Sep08)
http://www.ocala.com/article/20080913/NEWS/809130342/1377/NEWS&title=Police_Beat_for_Sept__13__2008

Global health collaborations a focus for new [University of] Albany center
“The University at Albany School of Public Health has established the Center for Global Health to serve as a focal point for collaborations with universities and public health agencies in Costa Rica, the Republic of Georgia, Turkey, Vietnam, and Mexico. Research will include cancer, bioterrorism, HIV/AIDS, access to health care, genetic engineering, maternal mortality and protecting water supplies.” (Times Union; 12Sep08; Cathleen F. Crowley) http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=719924&category=REGION

Hiring frenzy at FDA [Food & Drug Administration]; Agency will grown by 1,300
“The Food and Drug Administration has recently hired more than 1,300 professional staffers in a move that officials hope will help it better protect the public health amid rapid technological and scientific change. […] Independent observers said the staffing increase is only a first step, albeit one that is much needed. […] Of the total 1,317 positions, 770 are new jobs and 547 are posts that were left vacant by people leaving the agency for other jobs or because of retirement. […] The campaign's apparent success shows that public service is still attractive for highly specialized professionals, said Arthur Levin, director of the Center for Medical Consumers in New York. But he cautioned that the FDA has a history of letting such gains slip away. After the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the agency hired food inspectors to guard against the threat of bioterrorism. But it gradually cut back on the program.” (Modesto Bee; 12Sep08; Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, AP) http://www.modbee.com/business/story/427141.html

NIH [National Institute of Health] funds SIGA [Technologies inc.] Dengue Antiviral Program
“The grant, totaling $963,000 over a two-year period, will help to fund lead optimization and animal efficacy trials for SIGA's Dengue antiviral program. Successful outcomes from these activities could lead to a Phase II award in the future.” (Trading Markets; 12Sep08; Todd Fromer) http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/1878375/

Officials: [Galveston] Texas lab with dangerous pathogens secured
“The pathogens, which include the deadly Ebolavirus, were purposely destroyed before the staff left the facility in advance of the hurricane […] The laboratory followed protocols for shutting, said Gretchen Michael, a spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Human Services, citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She said that for security reasons, she would not detail the procedures or describe the agents. A Department of Homeland Security official concurred that all the samples had been destroyed, and the building was locked down, quarantined and ‘rendered safe.’” (CNN; 12Sep08; Deanne Mesevre) http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/09/12/ike.biological.agents/

Drug-resistant plague - A bioterrorism concern?
“Yersinia pestis can normally be treated and cured with a course of antibiotics, if caught within a few days of the symptoms. But researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have located a gene that could mutate to make Y. pestis resistant to many common drugs. Scientists believe that antibiotic-resistant Y. pestis should potentially concern the public and scientific community, because the bacteria might be used as a potential bioterrorism agent.” (News-Medical; 11Sep08; Source: Cornell University)
http://www.news-medical.net/?id=41403

Newport [Indiana] site ready to close
“The Newport Chemical Depot in western Indiana employed enough people in its heyday to be considered Vermillion County’s largest town. But within two years the once mighty plant will be quiet. The last bit of VX was neutralized last month and the plant along Indiana Route 63 south of Newport is slated for closure. ‘Our mission is to close the depot,’ said Tom Kutz, civilian executive assistant. ‘It will take about a year and a half.’” (Commercial News; 13Sep08; Dennis Bartlow) http://www.commercial-news.com/local/local_story_257225254.html

Over 4 [metric tons] of chemical weapons destroyed in Russia's Kirov Region
“Over 4 t of chemicals have been destroyed so far at a chemical weapons disposal plant in the village of Maradykovo, Kirov Region, and another 20,000 pieces of ammunition are expected to arrive for disposal soon, Russian Zvezda TV reported on 10 September, adding that nearly 20 per cent of Russia's chemical weapons are kept in Kirov Region.” (Red Orbit; 14Sep08; Source: BBC) http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1554615/over_4_t_of_chemical_weapons_destroyed_in_russias_kirov/

Nuclear bomb blueprint shared on internet - UN warns
“Libya received the blueprint for a nuclear bomb electronically, raising ‘serious concern’ about the spreading of such sensitive material via the internet, the head of the UN nuclear agency has reported. In a report, which effectively wraps up a four-year investigation into Libya's nuclear weapons programme and its links to the clandestine nuclear bazaar of the Pakistani scientist A Q Khan, Mohamed ElBaradei said that the discovery was ‘disturbing.’ It is possible that other clients of the world's biggest nuclear proliferation network also received the blueprint. […] Nuclear experts point out however that the infrastructure of a state is required for building a bomb, which the IAEA official said would be ‘very complicated for a terrorist organization.’” (New Zealand Herald; 13Sep08; Anne Penketh)
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10531996

Beware the deadly castor bean
“I wonder if mothers and grandmothers would have been so liberal with the stuff if they had known that Mussolini used it to coerce dissidents and opponents of his regime into submission. They were forced to consume large quantities of castor oil that could result in severe diarrhea, dehydration and potential death. Civilians and soldiers who said they were too ill to work, were administered less intimidating doses. This was done under the pretext that castor oil was good for you when you were sick. This misconception stayed around for years! […] Believed to be native to northeastern Africa or the Middle East, the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis) has been cultivated for centuries for the oil produced from its seeds. Evidence exists that the Egyptians used it to fuel their lamps in ancient times. […] The castor bean is not really a bean, although its seeds do look somewhat like those of the legume family. It's really a member of the spurge (Euphorbia) family and is one of the most poisonous plants known to man.” (Tri-City Herald; 13Sep08; Marianne C. Ophardt) http://www.tri-cityherald.com/1203/story/315987.html

Mobile training teams take preparedness on the road
“The Center for Domestic Preparedness’ commitment to train emergency response providers goes beyond standard classroom instruction. Whether it’s tailored to law enforcement, firefighters, or healthcare professionals, the CDP staff offers a wide variety of courses to local jurisdictions. The CDP has averaged 58 mobile training events per week in 2008. […] The training program provides responders with knowledge to prevent, protect, respond to, and recover from chemical, biological, explosive, radiological, or other hazardous materials incidents.”
(Forensic Magazine; 15Sep08)
http://www.forensicmag.com/News_Articles.asp?pid=364

US offers pirates $7m bribe for Iran ship entry
“The US has offered USD 7m to the pirates, who hijacked an Iranian ship in the Gulf of Aden, to receive entry permission and search the vessel. […] The US the naval fleet off the Somali coast alleges that The Iran Diyanat was carrying 'uranium and chemical weapons'. Iran's shipping company, however, has declared that the Iranian bulk carrier hired by a German company had no weapons or uranium on board and was carrying 42,500 tons of minerals and industrial products.” (Press TV; 12Sep08)
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=69204&sectionid=351020501

Hunt for WMDs hits Hauraki Gulf [New Zealand]
“Weapons of mass destruction are on the hit list for New Zealand Customs and the military today as ships from several nations patrol the Hauraki Gulf. The ships and air force aircraft will be part of an international exercise involving several countries which will test New Zealand's ability to find and stop a shipment of material used to make the weapons. Exercise Maru, which begins today and lasts until Friday, was being led by the New Zealand Customs Service and involved the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the New Zealand Defence Force, several other domestic agencies and the Ports of Auckland. The Australian navy patrol boat HMAS Maryborough and the French navy patrol boat FNS La Glorieuse, were also in Auckland for the exercise which would include ship-boarding and the searching of vessels and containers.” (Nelson Mail; 15Sep08; Source: New Zealand Press
Association)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/nelsonmail/4693207a6417.html

Worries simmer over absent North Korean strongman
“‘If Kim Jong Il disappears, there is a significant chance that the entire regime will collapse,’ the conservative mass-circulation [South Korean] Chosun Ilbo newspaper said in an editorial Thursday. ‘If that happens, it is difficult to predict what North Korea's 1.17 million-strong military, armed with nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, will do next.’ The nuclear standoff remains the biggest crisis. […] South Korea is advancing an existing contingency plan to prepare for ‘any kind of situation whether it be limited or full-scale warfare,’ he was quoted as saying, but to raise the alert level ‘could rather make the people uneasy and provoke North Korea.’” (Associated Press; 13Sep08; Kelly Olsen)
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gdklkakEe-4bHrnMRyPWp5wdTpyAD935GH601

CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD Terrorism.

Memorial Reminds Americans That Each Generation Must Fight for Freedom

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

Sept. 4, 2008 - The Pentagon Memorial -- scheduled to be dedicated next week on the seventh anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack -- is a reminder that "each generation inherits freedom, and it's up to each generation to protect it and pass it along," a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. Retired Marine Gen. Peter Pace, who served as vice chairman and then as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 2001 to 2007, said the memorial will be a place where Americans can learn of the people who lost their lives in the attack on the Pentagon and learn from them for years to come.

Pace was the commander of U.S. Southern Command and was on a visit to Bogota, Colombia, on Sept. 11, 2001. He already had been nominated to be the vice chairman. He said that days later, when he arrived at the Pentagon and saw the area where Flight 78 hit, he felt anger at the loss of innocent lives both in the building and aboard the plane.

"My second feeling was frustration at having spent my adult life defending the United States and having something like this happen here and in New York and in Pennsylvania," he said during a recent interview.

He vowed "to do all I could to prevent a re-occurrence."

As a lieutenant, Pace fought in Vietnam. He thought he was fighting so his children and grandchildren wouldn't have to fight. The attacks of Sept. 11 brought home to him that it doesn't work that way, he said.

"We fight, we preserve our nation's liberties, not so our sons and daughters and grandchildren won't have to fight, but rather so they have something worth fighting for," he explained.

Seven years after the attacks that stunned the United States, Americans are impatient. "You can understand impatience," Pace said. "The American people see ourselves as a friendly nation, we see ourselves as not wanting to do harm to anyone in the world." Americans still have a tough time understanding that there are people in the world who want to do Americans harm, the general added. "I think we forget that the enemy has declared war on us," he said.

The dialogue Americans should have is not whether the country should be at war or not – the enemy already has made that point moot, he noted. "Rather, the dialogue is really about where we take our stand," he said. "Do we take our stand in Iraq, in Afghanistan,s or do we take it someplace else?"

Al-Qaida has a 100-year plan to destroy the United States as a nation and to take away the rights of free people, Pace said. "We have to decide where in the 100 years we are going to do something about it, and I believe we have taken the right steps," he said.

The security situation in Iraq is improving, he said. That the United States made mistakes in the country early is evident, "but we learned from those mistakes and changed," he said.

Americans must be more patient to confront this threat, he said.

"I can understand the individuals who are frustrated with the pace of the war," he said, "but if you look at any conflict in history – especially any terrorist conflict – it's measured in decades, not in days."

The Pentagon Memorial will graphically illustrate to generations of Americans the idea that freedom isn't free, the general said.

"It's a place where folks -- years from now -- who have no recollection of what happened here that day will have a chance to reflect on it, to learn about it, to understand that our fellow citizens sacrificed their lives here that they and their future generations might live free."

CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- July 28, 2008

Powder scare unnerves East Liberty [Pennsylvania]
“The city's [Pittsburgh] hazardous materials team closed a section of Penn Circle South after getting the call from the PNC Bank branch about 11:30 a.m. White powder spilled from a deposit envelope onto a bank employee, but she washed it from her hands and shirt, leaving responders with too small a sample to identify. [...] The hazmat team closed Penn Circle from South Beatty Street to South Euclid Avenue and evacuated seven employees from the bank. They sent the woman who discovered the powder to UPMC Presbyterian for precautionary blood tests” (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review; 26Julo08; Jill King Greenwood and Tim Puko) http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_579546.html

Scientists a step closer to making vaccine against biological weapons
“Experts at the Society for General Microbiology have made a significant advance towards making a vaccine against an organism that may be used to produce biological weapons. Writing about their achievement in the Journal of Medical Microbiology, the researchers have revealed that they have made a rapid progress in understanding how the pathogen Francisella tularensis causes disease.” (Fresh News; 28July08; ANI)
http://www.freshnews.in/scientists-a-step-closer-to-making-vaccine-against-biological-weapons-38416

Now, improved version of Anthrax [vaccine]
“An improved and a more effective version of Anthrax vaccine has been developed by the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS) with the help of funds provided by the State Government. Announcing this at a press conference here on Friday, Dr P Thangaraju, Vice Chancellor, TANUVAS, said that the improved version called `Montanied’ did not contain glycerine, one of the main causatives of side effects, when injected into animals.” (Express News Service; 26July08)
http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IE320080725224425&Page=3&Title=Health&Topic=-162

Al-Qaeda chemical and biological weapons expert 'killed'
“An al-Qaeda chemical and biological weapons expert may have been among six people killed in a suspected US missile strike on a Pakistani madrassa near the Afghan border today, according to security officials. Abu Khabab al-Masri, also known as Midhat Mursi al-Sayid Umar, was an Egyptian chemist regarded as one of al-Qaeda’s top bomb makers and had a $5 million bounty on his head.” (Times Online; 28July08; Jeremy Page) http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article4418867.ece

Anthrax confirmed in 21 patients in south Kyrgyzstan
“Anthrax has been confirmed in 21 patients in hospitals in southern Kyrgyzstan, a senior health official in the Central Asian state said Monday. More than 50 people have been hospitalized with symptoms of the potentially lethal disease in Kyrgyzstan's Osh and Jalal-Abad regions. […] Earlier reports said the people were taken to hospital after eating contaminated beef.” (Russian News and Information Agency; 28July08) http://en.rian.ru/world/20080728/115063295.html

Thousands to be immunised in North Caucasus
“More than 290,000 people, many of them Internally Displaced Persons, families and children, will receive vaccinations in the North Caucasus through a new medical project implemented by World Vision in cooperation with the Ministry of Health. Vaccines, still not readily available in Ingushetia and Chechnya will protect recipients against Gangrene, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Anthrax and other potentially life-threatening illnesses and tuberculosis diagnostics medication will also be made available through the World Vision Canada Gift Catalogue.” (Reuters and Alertnet; 28July08) http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/fromthefield/wvmeero/259a20ded10f1c1635042bb912fe1f9b.htm

Seven anthrax patients remain in hospital in Siberian republic
“Seven people diagnosed with anthrax after eating pies containing the meat of an infected bull remain in hospital in East Siberia's Buryatia Republic, local emergency services said on Monday. The disease spread after the bull was culled in the republic's Barguzinsky Region in early July. The animal's meat was sold to the residents of four nearby villages without any checks being carried out. A total of 11 people who came into contact with the meat were later hospitalized, of whom seven people were diagnosed with skin or intestinal anthrax.” (Russian News and Information Agency; 28July08) http://en.rian.ru/russia/20080728/115042903.html

Sanofi to buy UK vaccine maker Acambis
“Sanofi-Aventis SA said its planned 276 million pound ($551 million) acquisition of Acambis PLC will bolster its leading position in the vaccine market and strengthen its development pipeline.The deal, expected to close by the end of September, would add Acambis' key smallpox vaccine ACAM2000 to the existing portfolio of Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines business of Sanofi-Aventis.” (Business Week; 28July08) http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D926R6280.htm

U.S. Bioterror - A Matter of Time?
“The overriding question is whether the U.S. is ‘ready’ for a bioterror attack. The answer could well rely on the ‘other’ question of what bio-agent and what’s the source? In 1991, 40,000 Russian scientists dispersed throughout the World, with knowledge of what the U.S.S.R. was doing in chemical and biological weapons. The question is to whom did they sell their knowledge? Some believe former Soviet scientists sold technology to countries like Iran, Syria, and North Korea. Lurking is the spectre of al-Qaeda, a group that the Pentagon says continues to pursue biological weapons.” (Threats Watch; 26July28; Jay Fraser) http://threatswatch.org/rapidrecon/2008/07/us-bioterror-a-matter-of-time/

3 members of Congress urge more chemical weapons safety
“Repeated leaks of the nerve agent sarin from a storage container at the Blue Grass Army Depot near Richmond have prompted a call for enhanced safety from three members of Kentucky's congressional delegation. U.S. Sens. Mitch McConnell and Jim Bunning, both Republicans, and U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler, D-6th District, co-signed a letter sent Thursday to Conrad Whyne, director of the U.S. Army Chemical Materials Agency.”
(Courier Journal; 26July08; Tom Loftus)
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080726/NEWS01/807260480

China Dismisses Separatist Group's Claim to Bombings
“Chinese police have dismissed a separatist group's claim that it was responsible for a series of deadly bombings this year. But terrorism experts say the group, the Turkistan Islamic Party, is capable of such attacks and its threats against the Olympic Games should be taken seriously. […] In the video, the group's leader says they are planning more attacks on Chinese central cities to target the Beijing Olympics. He says they will use tactics that have never been employed and that the group is willing to use biological weapons.” (VOA News; 27July08; Daniel
Schearf)
http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-07-27-voa12.cfm

*U.S. Headed for 'Heightened Alert' Stage
“Government officials have been quietly stepping up counterterror efforts out of a growing concern that al Qaeda or similar organizations might try to capitalize on the spate of extremely high-profile events in the coming months, sources tell ABC News. Security experts point to next month's Olympics as evidence that high-profile events attract threats of terrorism, like the one issued this past weekend by a Chinese Muslim minority group that warned of its intent to attack the Games.” (ABC News; 28July08; Pierre Thomas)
http://www.abcnews.go.com/TheLaw/story?id=5420514&page=1

National Guard Teams Prepare for Terrorist WMD Attacks [Nationwide]
“To prepare for potential attacks in the United States involving weapons of mass destruction, the US Congress approved the development of National Guard's civil Support Teams which are responsible with identifying chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or high-yield explosive weapons; assessing consequences; advising civil authorities on response measures; and assisting with requests for additional support. So far, 36 of the 55 approved teams have been fully certified to conduct their mission. The National Guard Bureau is in the process of establishing, certifying, and planning for the long-term sustainment of the CSTs, according to an unclassified report submitted to the National Association of Chiefs of Police by the GAO.” (Lincoln Tribune; 27July 08; Jim Kouri)
http://www.lincolntribune.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=9373

EDITORIAL: The Mediterranean Union
“The newly established Union for the Mediterranean is not yet fully formed, but members have already announced rather lofty ambitions for the organization, such as ridding the Mideast of weapons of mass destruction. The union was praised by leaders from the start, including Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who hailed its grounding focus on ‘practical projects’ - as compared to the previous union established in Barcelona in 1995. However, its nuclear proliferation goals are unrealistic.” (The Washington Times; 27July08) http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jul/27/the-mediterranean-union/

CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.

CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News- July 11, 2008

SLU [Saint Louis University] Studies Experimental Smallpox Vaccine for Eczema Patients
“Researchers at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine are preparing to test a new, experimental smallpox vaccine on people with atopic dermatitis (eczema), whose skin disorder may put them at higher risk for vaccine related side effects. […] The new study in which SLU is taking part will involve more than 500 patients at up to 30 centers in the U.S. and Mexico.” (Saint Louis University; 07Jul08; Carrie Bebermeyer) http://www.slu.edu/x24035.xml

Anthrax case settlement costly and embarrassing [Opinion]
“The administration recently agreed to a lawsuit settlement that will pay germ warfare scientist Steven Hatfill $5.8 million. […] Attorney General John Ashcroft publicly declared Hatfill a ‘person of interest,’ despite Justice Department policy that very clearly states the necessity to keep under wraps the names of suspects. Hatfill lost his job, was publicly trailed by investigators and his home was searched twice.” (Denver Post;
09Jul08) http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_9831825

Legislators, Emergency Directors to Review, Revise Wis[consin’s] Disaster Laws
“A new panel of state lawmakers, relief workers and emergency directors will start meeting this month to streamline Wisconsin's disaster statutes and clarify how the state legislature should work if a crisis forces it to meet outside Madison. Wisconsin's emergency statutes haven't undergone a comprehensive review since the late 1980s, said Randi Milsap, a state Department of Military Affairs attorney.” (Insurance Journal; 09Jul08; AP) http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/midwest/2008/07/09/91749.htm

Gary [Indiana] seeks emergency test volunteers
“The Gary Department of Health and Human Services is seeking 100 volunteers to help test the city’s emergency preparedness system. The exercise, a staged fictional bioterrorism/anthrax attack occurring in the city, is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Genesis Convention Center’s Lake Room in downtown Gary.” (The Times North West Indiana; 09Jul08) http://www.thetimesonline.com/articles/2008/07/09/updates/breaking_news/doc4874f9ca4c990076920106.txt

As [Salmonella] Outbreak Affects 1,000, Experts See Flaws in Law
“More than 1,000 people in 41 states and the District of Columbia have now been sickened in the nation’s salmonella outbreak, in what officials said Wednesday was the largest food-borne outbreak in the last decade. And some food safety experts this week tied problems in tracing the source of the contamination to what they say are shortcomings in the Bioterrorism Act of 2002. […] The rule requires only that produce handlers keep track of food one step back and one step forward in the supply chain and does not apply to retailers or growers. Because the rule does not specify the format for records, investigators are sifting through a hodgepodge of paper trails to identify the source of the contaminated produce.” (New York Times; 10Jul08; Bina Venkataraman) http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/10/health/policy/10tomato.html?ref=us

Ventilation problems delay $4 million county lab opening [Allegheny County, Pennsylvania]
“Allegheny County's $4 million public health laboratory in Lawrenceville has been built for seven months. But disease samples are still being sent to an Oakland lab that hasn't been updated in a half-century. At Wednesday's county Board of Health meeting, Dr. Bruce Dixon, director of the Health Department, said issues with the ventilation system would delay the opening for another five weeks.” (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review; 10Jul08; Allison M. Heinrichs) http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_576813.html

Corgenix Announces Expansion of Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Product Development Program
“Corgenix Medical Corporation, a worldwide developer and marketer of diagnostic test kits, has announced an expansion of the collaborative effort for developing test kits for viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) detection.” (Market Watch; 10Jul08) http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/corgenix-announces-expansion-hemorrhagic-fever/story.aspx?guid=%7BBD01F5B5-0947-41A6-A6AE-D8B9D8EA469C%7D&dist=hppr

Emergency personnel stay prepared [Tahlequah, Oklahoma]
“The entire month of July has been set aside as Bioterrorism and Disaster Education and Awareness Month. […] The county also has a written emergency operations plan that various entities have worked for months to refine. Dotson and Assistant EM Director Mike Underwood are the county’s only paid emergency management personnel. Several others work with the agency on a volunteer basis. Dotson said EM, in turn, works with law enforcement – the Cherokee County Health Department, emergency medical service personnel, school officials and others – so all can be ready to move into action when called. The purpose of the special month is to raise awareness for emergency preparedness in case a disaster was to occur.” (Tahlequah Daily Press; 10Jul08; Bob Gibbins) http://www.tahlequahdailypress.com/features/local_story_192100754.html?keyword=secondarystory

[University of] Calgary researcher wins $1.7M grant to study bioterrorism
“A scientist at the University of Calgary has been awarded $1.7 million to find vaccines for two diseases that have been used as biological weapons. Donald Woods is using the grant from the U.S. National Institutes of Health's Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for his research on preventing glanders and melioidosis, the university said Thursday.” (AOL News Canada; 10Jul08; CBC News) http://news.aol.ca/article/glanders-vaccine/280049/

Patch of Contaminated Soil Found at R.M. [Rocky Mountain] Arsenal
“Workers at Rocky Mountain Arsenal have found an area of contaminated soil in a section of the property once used to dispose of hazardous waste. […] The area is about a mile away from where another area of contaminated soil was discovered last fall. […] Scharmann said officials must decide whether to remove the soil or extend the cap to cover the area. The arsenal's two landfills are full so, if the soil is removed, it will have to be taken somewhere else.” (CBS 4 Denver; 09Jul08; AP) http://cbs4denver.com/green/Contaminated.Soil.Found.2.767547.html

Lawmakers fight chemical weapons plan [transport]
“Lawmakers from both parties are challenging a Pentagon plan to study whether to transport deadly chemical weapons across state lines to speed their destruction. […] Members of Congress and watchdog groups say the plan exposes the public to unnecessary risks and violates a 2005 law making it illegal for the Department of Defense to study the possibility of transporting chemical weapons across state lines.” (Daily Mail; 09Jul08; Matthew Daly) http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/272651/

US weapons research is raising a stink
"XM1063 is the code name for the US army's new secret weapon which will 'suppress' people without harming them, as well as stopping vehicles in an area 100m square. But is it a violation of chemical weapons treaties, or a welcome move towards less destructive warfare using non-lethal weapons? Exactly how it works is classified, but we have established some details. The first part of the weapon is an artillery round - or as the army puts it, 'a non-lethal personal suppression projectile' - fired from a 155mm howitzer, with a range of 28km. […] Experts suggest three possible payloads: an existing riot-control agent, malodorants or a new chemical agent. Existing agents include CS gas and a form of pepper spray. But these seem unlikely choices, because their effects only last minutes, and could wear off before friendly forces arrive. They could also face a legal challenge: the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention prohibits the use of riot control agents in warfare.” (The Guardian; 10Jul08; David Hambling) http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/jul/10/weaponstechnology.research

Wisconsin Researchers Use Proteomics to Hunt Biomarkers Tied to Radiation Damage
“Despite the ongoing risk of radioactive dirty bombs set off by terrorists, as well as run-of-the-mill nuclear disasters, there are currently no protein biomarkers that could help detect early signs of injury brought on by radiation exposure. With this in mind, researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin have been studying changes in rat protein levels after radiation exposure, and in an article published in the June
18 online edition of Proteomics – Clinical Applications, they used proteomic technology to detect those changes in rat urine.” (Proteo Monitor; 10Jul08; Mukut Sharma) http://www.proteomonitor.com/issues/8_28/pioneer/148107-1.html

Firefighters seek 100 volunteers to strip [for decontamination]
“Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging volunteers to swap their daywear for bikinis and swimshorts in a mock-up of a terrorist attack. They will then undergo the same decontamination procedure that would be used in the event of a suspected anthrax attack or a dirty bomb being dropped. Men and women will enter separate areas and shower with a mild, soapy liquid and dry using hot air driers before putting on a fresh suit. In reality people affected would be rushed to hospital for checks after being decontaminated. However, on this occasion volunteers will be allowed to get changed and collect their possessions before lunch. About 30 firefighters will be involved in the operation – the largest of its kind to be carried out in Hampshire. They hope to get everyone through the unit in an hour.” (The Portsmouth News; 09Jul08; Clare Semke) http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/Firefighters-seek-100-volunteers-to.4271825.jp

Penitentiary Scare Passes: Mystery Powder Non-Toxic
“A third test has determined that the substance found last Tuesday in the USP McCreary mailroom was not toxic. But what the white powdery paste actually was remains a mystery. Twelve employees of the federal penitentiary were decontaminated and observed for symptoms of poisoning, with two ultimately being transported to Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital Tuesday evening. Those individuals -- both guards at the prison according to Special Response Team Chief Doug Baker -- had experienced tightness in their chests and shortness of breath. Officials were quick to note that those symptoms could be due to heat or stress rather than the unknown substance. By Wednesday afternoon, the employees had been released from the hospital and were doing 'fine' according to Kentucky Division of Emergency Management public information officer Buddy Rogers.” (Red Orbit; 09Jul08; Source: McCreary County Record) http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1470790/penitentiary_scare_passes_mystery_powder_nontoxic/

Little to separate deadly serious from the bizarre
“In Las Vegas, there was the FBI special agent who raided the home of Eid and Engle and, confronted with a possible find of ricin, the third deadliest poison, etc, in one of the world's most paranoid nations, she does not evacuate the area, have the coffee grinder analysed or advise the hapless Lisa Eid to get the hell out of there - she hands her camera to Lisa and asks her to take pictures for the Irish media. […] A similar imbalance is noted in Limerick Prison, where Army ordnance men get kitted out like spacemen in chemical warfare suits to take apart Eid's cell; they find a contact lens container with suspected ricin (which he'd been contentedly sleeping beside, apparently), and bear it gingerly to their commandant, whose own protection, sensationally, consists of - um - rubber gloves.” (The Irish Times; 10Jul08; Kathy Sheridan) http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2008/0710/1215537706109.html

China: 5 'Olympic terror groups' smashed
“China says it has destroyed five terrorist groups in a mainly Muslim autonomous region on suspicion of plotting to attack the Olympic Games, which start in less than a month. […] [Nicholas] Bequelin [a Human Rights Watch analyst] said those jihadist training camps described in Xinhua are most likely unsanctioned mosques. […] The terrorist leader planned to target hotels in Beijing and Shanghai that were frequented by foreigners, as well as government buildings and military bases, according to a statement from the Ministry of Public Security. The terrorist cell inside China, led by Aji Mai Mai Ti, carried out tests on poisonous meat, poisonous gas and remote explosive devices as part of their plans, the ministry said.” (CNN; 10Jul08) http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/07/10/china.terror/index.html

I-Team: Las Vegas [Nevada] Safety Derailed Part 1
“Tons of deadly cargo passes through Las Vegas every day aboard Union Pacific rail cars. Although rail is statistically the safest transport system in the country, accidents do happen […]. For one thing, they know that while railroads are statistically safe, accidents, collisions and derailments happen all the time. When they do, they are spectacular. Local leaders also have to worry that an accident might take them out first. The Union Pacific tracks run through the heart of the valley. In the downtown area, they pass within yards of the headquarters of nearly all of the key agencies […] Local agencies find out after the fact that a deadly shipment has passed through town. Why is it so hard for Union Pacific to give a heads up? It just is, a California spokesperson told us, ‘The reason it would be so difficult is because, again, it's logistically -- it would be very, very difficult because we go through so many different communities that notification would be, again, logistically,’ said Zoe Richmond with Union Pacific. ‘We don't know exactly what time it would be coming through.’ As bad as potential accidents might be, a greater threat might be terrorism. The I-Team infiltrated the rail yards and found security all but non-existent. Tuesday [15Jul08], we'll show you how real the terror threat might be.” (Las Vegas Now; 08Jul08; George Knapp)
http://www.lasvegasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=8631836&nav=168XDWn7

CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.

Six Units Get Call for 2009 Iraq Deployment

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

June 30, 2008 - The Defense Department has alerted six combat units for deployment to Iraq from January to March 2009, officials said here today. Though the announcement identifies forces for the current level of effort in Iraq, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said, it does not try to predict decisions down the road.

"It's proper, prudent planning to give units the time to train and to ensure they are notified in a deliberate fashion and well in advance of when they would have to deploy," Whitman said.

The four Army combat brigades and two Marine regimental combat teams cover about 33,000 personnel. These are normal rotation forces, and all of the units have the capability of performing full-spectrum combat operations.

The Marine units notified today are Regimental Combat Team 8 and Regimental Combat Team 6, both based in Camp Lejeune, N.C.

The Army units are the 1st Cavalry Division's 1st and 2nd brigade combat teams, based at Fort Hood, Texas; the 10th Mountain Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team, based at Fort Drum, N.Y.; and 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the Pennsylvania National Guard's 28th Infantry Division.

The announcement for the 12-month deployments assumes a force level of 15 brigade combat teams in Iraq. "This is a planning effort for maintaining a 15-combat-brigade level," Whitman said.

"That doesn't mean decisions down the road couldn't affect this," he added. "You can always have units that redeploy earlier and deploy later. This is a planning effort to sustain the current level of operations."

The last surge brigade will leave Iraq by the end of July. Some 45 days later, officials in Iraq, U.S. Central Command and the Pentagon will assess conditions in Iraq "post-surge," Whitman said. Decisions after that review could affect deployments, he said.