An Analysis of the Potential Direct or Indirect Influence Exerted by an Al Qaeda Social Network Actor on Future Biological Weapon Mission Planning

Abstract

The current conflict known as the “War on Terror” pits several sovereign states (United States and its Allies) against a non-state entity. This entity, al Qaeda, is a global social network with religious doctrine adherence as its declared locus. Terror experts agree that the economic and psychological damage al Qaeda inflicted on 9/11 is miniscule compared to the potential damage by a biological weapon. This dissertation is an analysis of the potential direct or indirect ability of al Qaeda members to select and use a biological weapon.