NOVA: Dirty Bomb Last summer, an American al-Qaeda sympathizer, Jose Padilla, was arrested on suspicion of planning a "dirty bomb" attack on the United States. Suddenly, one of the ultimate nightmare terrorist scenarios seemed a step closer to reality. But few know what a "dirty bomb" really is or what devastation it would cause. In this important and timely film, NOVA goes beyond the alarming headlines to answer crucial questions: how easy is it to acquire materials and manufacture a "dirty bomb?" How does it differ from a conventional nuclear one, and how destructive would it be? And how can lives be saved if one should explode? The program dramatizes two credible attack scenarios based on sophisticated models developed by radiation experts. These models are then played out in two major cities, Washington and London, with results that are both frightening and sobering. When's it on? Visit the Site Dirty bombs can be made by simply wrapping a conventional explosive in some type of radioactive material, often obtainable from poorly regulated sources. What do you think should be done about regulating the export and sale of such potentially dangerous materials? Information on building dirty bombs is publicly available on the Internet. Consider the First Amendment right to free speech and the role of government in protecting its citizens. How available or restricted do you think this information should be? In May 2002, the United States arrested an alleged al-Qaeda terrorist for plotting to build and use a dirty bomb. No such bombs have ever been detonated in our country. In your opinion, how high are the chances that a terrorist might successfully deploy a dirty bomb? What do you think about the steps being taken (i.e. the creation of the Department of Homeland Security) to educate people about dirty bombs and the risk they pose? How comfortable would you feel living in an area where a dirty bomb was set off once officials deemed the area safe? Often, the goal of an individual deploying a dirty bomb is to spread terror and invoke panic in addition to physical contamination. Both are harmful to society. Which do you think has greater and further reaching impact and why? How realistic are the premonitions about dirty bomb attacks? Do you think that the media plays a helpful or harmful role when reporting on potential threats like dirty bombs? Do you think that your community's infrastructure could withstand a dirty bomb attack? How do you think your community would respond to one?
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