Reference no: EM133749563
In previous courses, you discussed how ISIS had documents on how to weaponize Yersina pestis, the invasion of Crimea and Ukraine by Russia, and al Qaeda's idealogy and mission to eliminate "all non-believers" from the face of planet Earth. I ask you to consider the evildoers of today and whether they reminded you of what had happened more than 80 years ago, resulting in the beginning of WWII. Remember?
Are we on the verge of World War III? What do you think, one-way or the other? In order for you to answer, break down what is happening in the world. For example, what's new in the Middle East? Hamas? Houthis? ISIS? Kurds? What's up with Vladamir Putin and Russia? What about the meetings between Putin and China's President Xi? The invasion of Ukraine?
What about the "biolabs" in the Ukraine? According to the US State Department, while Russia is highly secretive regarding its biological research programs, they have maintained and modernized the surviving parts of the Soviet biological weapons program. There are public signs of continuing research into biological weapons (including non-lethal biological weapons) at several locations in Russia and China. Even a "secret" Chinese biolab in California! Meanwhile, discussion and policy decisions regarding so-called genetic weapons demonstrate the Russian leadership's obsession with the idea of a new generation of advanced bioweapons. Will Putin ultimately use such weapons against the west?
What will be the ultimate role of NATO, considering their members' dependence on Russian energy? What about our loss of energy independence? Does the "green new deal" supersede national security? With the Abraham Accords, the Middle East was beginning to show signs of peace and cooperation; however, Iran has re-emerged as a disruptive agent in the Middle East. Now, the hostilities between Hamas and Israel continues and threatens to expand to Lebanon and West Bank, as well as other Middle Eastern neighbors. The Houthi rebels are using missiles and drones to disrupt international shipping. New reports have even suggested that Russia may have provided hypersonic missiles to the Houthis.
The UN embargo on export of Iranian missiles quietly expired in the middle of October. Last Spring, the firing of a dozen ballistic missiles on the capital of the autonomous Iraqi Kurdish region that appeared to target the United States and its allies and now we are seeing drone attacks on strategic US bases in and near Syria. How close do you think Iran is in having a nuclear weapon, or will they? Not to be forgotten, North Korea has had a series of ballistic missile tests. China has crush democracy in Hong Kong and is threatening to invade Taiwan. They are strengthening the Sino-Russian alliance and China has a "work-around" for the embargo of Russia to enable Russia's war effort, such that the Russian economy is stronger than ever. And don't forget COVID-19 with evidence of continued "gain-of-function" research at the Wuhan lab on even more deadly viruses.
Provide an insightful analysis of where we are or are we safer or closer to WWIII. The more analysis the better and include how you would shape US biosecurity policy to move us away from the brink. Use specific examples and include references to support your significant points.