d(FAQ). Biological weapons have never been used successfully in a large scale modern war, but their effectiveness can be shown by the effects of the explosion of a suspected biological weapons plant in the city of Sverdlovsk (in the former USSR) where thousands of people were killed in 1979 by an anthrax epidemic(Nicholas). The ease at which biological weapons can be created, coupled with their extreme effectiveness gives a near guarantee that they will be used in a large scale conflict where the results will be catastrophic. According to studies, if biological weapons were used against the Untied States of America, there would only be enough medical supplies (namely penicillin) to treat just under one third of its population. Nuclear weapons, although more complex and costly than the aforementioned weapons, they are considered to be the most frightening weapon of mass destruction, because of their immediate and thorough physical destruction. Nuclear weapons are considered to be the pinnacle of destructive force, and many countries would like to join the "nuclear club"(FIG 2, Appendix C). Possessing nuclear armament is the only effective method of defense against them, fear of a MAD war (Mutually Assured Destruction) keeps countries at bay. More countries wish to develop nuclear weapons, usually to use as a deterrent against nuclear force being used against them. Unfortunately, as more and more countries develop these weapons, the greater the risk of their use. Fortunately the capability of a country to develop these weapons can be observed to a degree. This is due to the required elements to create a nuclear weapon, primarily fuel. It requires a nuclear reactor to create weapons grade plutonium. Two countries that recently made headlines for creating nuclear arsenals are the rival countries of Pakistan and India. To ensure that these weapons are not used, more countries must follow the lead of South Africa (FIG 2, Appendix C) and relin...
