An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack on the United States could
wreak havoc on the nation's electronic systems--shutting down power
grids, sources, and supply mechanisms, irreparably crippling the
country. Such an attack could simultaneously inflict large-scale
damage while critically limiting our recovery abilities.
Yet, despite the tremendous threat EMPs pose to the United
States, this danger has been largely ignored.
Congress and the new Administration must recognize the
significance of the EMP threat and take the necessary steps to
protect against it.
Electromagnetic
Pulse (EMP) Attack: Another Tool for America's
Enemies
Dr. William R. Graham
November 17, 2008
EMP is a high-intensity burst of electromagnetic energy caused
by the rapid acceleration of charged particles. EMP can be a weapon
of mass disruption when these particles, either through a nuclear
warhead or a bomb composed of isolated EMP, spread throughout
electronic infrastructure, wreaking extensive damage on our
electronic systems, vastly crippling America's recovery abilities.
For instance, airplanes could literally fall from the sky, food
would rot, and our medical and emergency response capabilities
would be non-existent. The lives and property lost would be
immense.
Electromagnetic
Pulse (EMP) Attack: A Preventable Homeland Security
Catastrophe
Jena Baker McNeill and Richard Weitz, Ph.D.
October 20, 2008
A major threat to America has been largely ignored by those who
could prevent it. An EMP attack could wreak havoc on the nation's
electronic systems--shutting down power grids, sources, and supply
mechanisms. An EMP attack on the United States could irreparably
cripple the country. It could simultaneously inflict large-scale
damage and critically limit our recovery abilities. Congress and
the new Administration must recognize the significance of the EMP
threat and take the necessary steps to protect against it.
Iran's 'world
without America'
James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
October 17, 2008
Which world leader is on record musing about "a world without
America"--a goal he calls "attainable"? Iranian President Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad. Until recently, it was possible to believe that
whatever Mr. Ahmadinejad's intentions, Iran was a long way from
acquiring the capabilities it needs to achieve its goals. But a
blue-ribbon commission has reported to Congress on what appears to
be an Iranian drive to obtain the means to carry out an EMP
attack.
Congress
Should Establish EMP Recognition Day
Jena Baker McNeill and James Jay Carafano, Ph.D.
September 15, 2008
The threat of an EMP attack against the United States is
credible. Such a strike could have a devastating impact on the
nation by disabling electrical systems, grinding the economy to a
halt, and possibly resulting in the deaths of millions. Yet other
than establishing a commission to study the problem and holding a
handful of hearings, Congress has done virtually nothing to address
the issue. Such inaction could change virtually overnight, however,
if Congress held even one EMP Recognition Day.
The
Electromagnetic Pulse Commission Warns of an Old Threat with a New
Face
Jack Spencer
August 3, 2004
A nuclear-generated electromagnetic pulse "is one of a small
number of threats that has the potential to hold our society
seriously at risk and might result in defeat of our military
forces." The Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States
from Electromagnetic Pulse Attack announced this startling
conclusion in a report to Congress. This alarming report clears the
way for Congress to debate more seriously the most effective
measures to meet the threat of an EMP attack.
America's
Vulnerability to a Different Nuclear Threat: An Electromagnetic
Pulse
Jack Spencer
May 26, 2000
In the 1980s, Americans feared neutron bombs that could kill
everyone but leave buildings, roads, and cars intact. Today,
Americans should fear a different kind of nuclear threat that can
instantaneously destroy power grids, electronic systems, and
communications along an entire coast but spare people.