Overview
Despite the dark promises of Osama bin Laden following the 9/11 attacks, the United States has not experienced any major domestic terror incidents. Al Qaeda itself is believed to be a severely crippled organization. But while U.S. wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, not to mention the arrival of the Obama administration, a new balance of power within Congress, and an increasingly fragile economic picture, have significantly affected the national security picture, the threat of economic chaos and massive loss of life due to terror attacks has not abated. Indeed, in July 2008 analysts pointed out that even a relatively small terrorist organization could present a dire threat, with some experts arguing that a biological, chemical, or even nuclear attack on a major U.S. city is all but inevitable. New introductory essays will explore the impact of terrorism on economics, public health, religion, and even pop culture. Two dozen entries on significant recent events, such as the London bombings, Chechen attacks on Russian interests, and the rescue of Ingrid Bettancourt, and some 60 additional new entries will restore the work as an up to the minute, natural first stop for researchers.
