This book Bioterrorism: Threats and Deterrents collates the lectures presented at the workshop on Bioterrorism that took place in Ankara, Turkey, on 13 and 14 November 2008. The workshop was organized by the Ankara-based Centre of Excellence–Defence Against Terrorism (COE–DAT). COE–DAT was inaugurated in 2005 with the purpose of supporting NATO on defence issues related to terrorism. Turkey is the framework nation, and currently six other nations also contribute with staff and funds, namely Bulgaria, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, the United Kingdom and the United States. Each year, COE–DAT organizes numerous workshops and courses, bringing academic rigour and institutional expertise in terrorism to interested parties in NATO, Partnership for Peace (PfP), and Mediterranean Dialogue Countries, ICI Countries, and others.

This book comprises 7 papers and 4 summaries that arose from the presentations at the workshop. The presenters are both academics and practitioners, selected for their expertise in matters related to bioterrorism. The papers and summaries herein cover the definition and classification of bioterrorism taking into account the various dimensions, theoretical, historical and practical aspects, and the defence against it.

The first paper by Dr. Amy Zalman looks at the discourses around bioterrorism and their responsibility in creating the framework through which people contemplate, understand and respond to bioterrorism. Zalman examines two different discourses and the resulting recommendations for response.

Second, a technical elaboration on biodiversity is given in the notes from the presentation by Prof. Dr. Nicolae Manolescu wherein he outlines how knowledge of biodiversity is a first and necessary step for understanding biological threats not just in terms of bioterrorism but also in terms of unintentional accidents. It was not possible to print a full paper on Dr. Manolescu’s talk, but his presentation was valuable and the information should be included in this title.

Dr. Gerald Epstein discusses the necessity for collaboration between responding bodies in the case of a biological attack on civilians. Epstein introduces a network called the Global Forum on Biorisks as a potential and already operational means for medical personnel, law enforcement, researchers, etc. to strategically collaborate across disciplines both interactively and as a means of sharing useful information.

David Casale takes a look at the EU and its approach to countering bioterrorism and biological threats. He explains the process through which the EU has increased its efforts to prepare for biological threats both terrorist and accidental in nature. Included in Casale’s paper is a discussion of the recent EU Green Paper written as a result of all the increased concern and discussion around biological threats.

A summary of Leo Owsiaki’s presentation outlines the role of the International Science and Technology Center and specifically looks at its role in countering bioterrorism. Owsiacki covers the structure and purpose of the ISTC as well as the current and newly proposed research projects it supports.

Levent Kenar and Mehmet Baysallar co-presented and wrote a paper about the growing need to address bioterrorism. They look at historical uses of biological agents and the growing concern for public safety. They give technical information about biological agents as well as possible countermeasures and preparedness for attacks.

Ajey Lele’s paper looks at threat assessment. It discusses tools and techniques for analyzing biological threats and appropriate responses. Lele looks at tools such as trend analysis, SWOT analysis and technology that can be useful in these endeavours.

Dr. Caroline Plante and Dr. Alain Dehove presented and wrote about the role of the World Animal Health Organization. They discuss the need to control animal health and disease with reference to biological safety because of the possible transference of some diseases across the species barrier (from animals to humans). They also examine the workings and potential benefits of standards set out by the World Animal Health Organization.

Dr. Rashid Chotani and David Heyman each present specific examinations of historical incidents of biological crises. Chotani examines the SARS and H5N1 Influenza outbreaks. He outlines the happenings, the responses to them and then discusses what can and should be done to prepare for any possible future outbreaks, epidemic or pandemic. Heyman looks at the anthrax attacks that occurred in the US in 2001. He makes direct assessments about the medical and law enforcement structures involved in the first response. Then Heyman further suggests direct ways in which any such future acts of bioterrorism can be more successfully countered in terms of assisting victims of an attack.

The final paper, by Major Yasin Aslan, looks at the international and legal case against biological threats through a discussion on the Biological Weapons Convention. Aslan examines and explains the articles from the text of the Convention as well as the highly important review process that allows the document to stay current and relevant in an ever-advancing technological society.

The collection of papers and summaries is intended to cover many different perspectives on bioterrorism and biological threats and intentionally comes from authors with varying technical and practical backgrounds. The sharing and dissemination of research, experience and perspectives on biological risk and bioterrorism allows for further consideration and improvement in countering risk, and creating and improving the authorities and systems responsible for responding to such risks. Although the workshop spanned two days and involved a handful of people, hopefully the content of this volume can be useful and informative for a much greater time and to a greater audience.

Selçuk ÇANKAYA, Maj.

ARW Director