COMMENTARY ARCHIVES
Gauging The Threat of an Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack
Scott Stewart and Nathan Hughes
September 15, 2010
Among the various threats to the safety and security of a nation, an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack should not be overlooked. The potential threat of an EMP attack has been recognized since the early 1960s, but the growing debate surrounding this possibility parallels modern civilizations’ growing dependency on electronics and
Review of Medical Countermeasures and a New Federal Approach
Martin D. Masiuk
August 25, 2010
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announces the allocation of $1.9 billion for new U.S. medical countermeasure capabilities – plus five “breakthrough” initiatives to get the ship underway and on a course both straight and true.
FINAL REPORT: Evacuation Planning
John Contestabile and John F. Morton
July 31, 2010
The DP40 and DomPrep readers assess their opinions on the nationwide progress of evacuation planning. All levels of response, and responsibility, the federal, state, and local jurisdictions of government are required to develop effective evacuation plans and to have those plans in place before, not after, disaster strikes.
Evacuation in the United Kingdom: Reshaping Policy
Andy Oppenheimer
July 28, 2010
The “9/11” attacks on the World Trade Center Towers in New York City differed in several respects from the “7/7” bombings of the London transit system. But both of these mass-casualty disasters led to the belated public recognition of terrorism as a clear and present danger – and, from there,
Just When Americans Thought the Cold War Was Over
Neil C. Livingstone
July 21, 2010
To many Americans the well publicized apprehension of 10 Russian spies seemed to be a throwback to the Cold War – except for the amateurish bumbling and fumbling involved, which changed a potentially damaging international incident into a quasi-comedy. But the situation was not as funny as it seemed, and
Needed: A Comprehensive Nuclear Forensics and Attribution Act
Vayl S. Oxford
June 30, 2010
U.S. homeland-security capabilities have improved immensely over the past decade. But there are still too many gaps – in funding, in legislative authority, and in the dwindling pool of career-minded nuclear scientists and engineers. A distinguished former DNDO official discusses some important steps the executive and legislative branches of government
FINAL REPORT: The Use of Social Media in Disaster Response
Joseph C. Becker and John F. Morton
June 30, 2010
The DP40 and DomPrep readers assess their opinions on the use of “social media” (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) in disaster response. The issues are important and may require the setting of policies – particularly in view of the legal ramifications involved with regard to liability.
The Times Square Bombing Plot: What It Means For America
Neil C. Livingstone
June 9, 2010
Experts in aviation safety have long recognized that what is described as a “near miss” is actually a “near hit.” The Times Square bombing attempt deserves the same unflinching judgment: Disaster was avoided not because of the superior competence of DHS and TSA, but because of the greater incompetence of
FINAL REPORT: Mass-Casualty Preparedness & Response
W. Craig Vanderwagen and John F. Morton
May 31, 2010
The DP40 and DomPrep readers assess their opinions on whether or not the United States hospitals are prepared to deal with the aftermath of a mass-casualty incident.
Your Thoughts Compared with DomPrep40’s National Experts on…Mass-Casualty Preparedness &Response
W. Craig Vanderwagen and John F. Morton
May 12, 2010
Are U.S. hospitals currently prepared to deal with the aftermath of a nuclear explosion – or any other mass-casualty incident? Not yet, according to the DP40 panel of experts. Reader opinions are hereby requested.
10 Questions About Shahzad and Times Square
Judith Miller
May 8, 2010
Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter shares her thoughts on botched Times Square bombing.
FINAL REPORT: Pandemic Preparedness & Response
Paul E. Jarris and John F. Morton
April 30, 2010
The DP40 and DomPrep readers access the nation’s “Pandemic Preparedness & Response” capabilities and deficiencies.
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