| Synopsis: |
As the recent debate on U.S. port security shows, the threat of maritime terrorism is real and palpable. Contemporary history clearly demonstrates that the maritime industry, including the merchant marine and shipbuilding industries as well as the Navy, are vulnerable to terrorist attacks. From the Achille Lauro to the USS Cole to attacks on shipping channels, terrorists have employed a variety of tactics, both successful and unsuccessful. These have included the smuggling of arms, plots to bomb shipyards, and attacks on merchant marine ships, maritime offices ashore, fuel storage facilities at ports and inlets, and Navy personnel, ships, and facilities on shore and in port. It can be assumed that these tactics, as well as a variety of other unconventional attacks will be utilized by both domestic and international groups well into the 21st century. This book constitutes the first research effort after the unprecedented attacks of Sept. 11,2001, to provide government, industry, and the academic and policy community with a major resource on potential threats to the maritime environment and the response needed from government and industry to meet the coming challenges. |