[.ca] America's Achilles' Heel: Nuclear, Biological, and ... (ISBN 0262561182)

The Complete Guide to Understanding Bioterrorism:
I picked up this book as a research tool for a paper. Not only did I find the book to contain everything I needed, I became so enveloped in the reality of what I was reading that I couldn't put it down. A fan of Tom Clancy novels, this book describes the harsh reality that we live in, while detailing both the strengths and the weaknesses of the US response to bioterrorism. A must read for those with an interest in national security issues.

Systematic, thorough, detailed, very solid...:
In a very good way, I got more than I bargained for by reading this book. While seeking a solid source to inform myself on the "nuts and bolts", policy implications, and development of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), I continued to come across this title. Expect some dense and intense reading; there is not a wasted word here. The book focuses exclusively on the covert delivery of a nuclear, biological, or chemical weapon against an American target, exploring possible methods, limitations, locales, preventive measures, and consequences. This book will considerably broaden the knowledge of any first-timer looking into WMD and likely provides substantive material for discussion among policy makers and experts in the field.

Comprehensive, realistic approach:
This is a comprehensive analysis of the threat without being alarmist. It is far too easy to find shocking explanations of the biological weapons potential that do not describe some of the difficulties in their procurement and delivery. This "sexy" approach captures our attention and makes for good entertainment, but the 'Chicken Little' approach doesn't help us develop rational methods for dealing with the issue. Read this book if you want a levelheaded examination. It also contains a good description and solid recommendations for a national strategy.