Terrorism Archives - Page 15 of 24

Pakistan’s HEU-based Nuclear Weapons Programme and Nuclear Terrorism: A Reality Check

In order to construct an operational nuclear device, terrorists need to obtain the requisite fissile materials - Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) or plutonium. It has been proved that, generally, it is much simpler to devise a crude nuclear bomb with HEU than with plutonium. Hence, terrorists can have 'reasonable confidence' in the performance of weapons-grade HEU bombs. The magnitude of the threat of nuclear terrorism from Pakistan's HEU-based nuclear weapons programme is assuming alarming proportions. However, adequate preventive steps can be taken to minimize the danger.

From National Security to Human Security: The Challenge of Winning Peace in Sri Lanka: A Response

A Year after 26/11: Soft Responses of a Reluctant State

Why are the two largest democracies – India and the United States – starkly different when it comes to tackling terrorism? The answer to this perplexing question could lie in the two countries' divergent approach to security and management of national security resources. Equally relevant is the variance in their political resoluteness in exercising suitable responses to emergent threats.

From National Security to Human Security: The Challenge of Winning Peace in Sri Lanka

Response to Comments

From National Security to Human Security: The Challenge of Winning Peace in Sri Lanka: A Critique

Military Response to a Future 26/11 – A Dissuasive Analysis

The advantage in foregrounding the military option is in the deterrence value. Further, it helps the military and the government prepare for the exercise of the option in case of a shift to compellence. However, it leads to a displacement of alternative approaches from center stage. These approaches arguably have greater potentiality for delivering on long term peace and stability. The nuclear age requires that these be explored to the fullest extent.

Mumbai Redux: Debating India’s Strategic Response Options

A year has elapsed since the Mumbai carnage and there are renewed intelligence inputs about further terrorist attacks on our seaboard. What could be the Pakistani motivations for a resumption of its terrorist assault on India ?The Military – ISI complex in Pakistan appears to be under severe pressure due to the ongoing Global War On Terror (GWOT). 28% of its rank and file are ethnic Pathans who are seriously affected by the ongoing operations in Swat and FATA.

Cribbing Over Conditionalities

While Pakistan could still try and develop a taste for grass by rejecting US assistance, there is no way it can economically sustain the fight against the Islamist insurgency without external assistance.

Sushant Sareen
October 08, 2009
IDSA Comments

Indo-Bhutan Joint Action against Insurgents

Indian insurgent groups are re-establishing camps in Bhutan and are also forging links with Bhutanese rebel groups.