FBI looks at chemical weapons threat

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

WASHINGTON, SEPT. 27. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has expanded the scope of its investigation into the September 11 attacks by beginning a probe on chemical and biological materials.

On Wednesday, Federal agents arrested 10 persons of West Asian origin in three States. The arrested persons are believed to have illegally obtained licences for transporting hazardous material. They are said to have paid bribes of $50 to $100 to get the special endorsement and apparently these men already had suspended licences. The arrests in the States of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Missouri bring the number of arrested to 18 so far. The FBI is looking at the threat of attacks using chemical and biological weapons.

More than 300 persons have been detained or are being interrogated in connection with the terrorist attacks against New York and Washington that has left around 7,000 people missing and presumed dead. Investigating agencies are exploring the extent of co-operation the terrorists may have had within this country. Meanwhile, the President, Mr. George W Bush is travelling to Chicago today to outline new proposals for increasing aircraft security. Chicago's O'Hare airport is one of the busiest airports in the world and the President hopes to allay the fears of American people on flying. After the attacks, the airline industry has suffered huge losses as people avoid travelling by air.

``One of my concerns is that this terrible incident has led to many Americans staying at home. One of the keys to economic recovery is going to be the vitality of the airline industry,'' Mr. Bush remarked. The Congress has approved a massive $15 billion package for the airline industry that involves direct assistance and loan guarantees and security measures have been tightened.

Though the assistance to the airline industry has been criticised in some quarters, the immediate focus is not on whether the major airlines need to be bailed out. Rather the attention is on security and whether pilots should carry hand guns.

The President is not fully in favour of pilots carrying hand guns. ``There may be better ways to do it than that,'' he said. One of the options being looked at is having plainclothes armed marshals on domestic flights. Cockpit doors are being strengthen to prevent hijackers and terrorists gaining access.

The Federal Aviation Authority has already taken steps to tighten security procedures at airports. E-ticketing has been stopped and now passengers cannot rush to the gates to board at the last minute. All passengers will have to report to the counters.

There is pressure on the administration to get fully involved in airport security. It is being argued that contracting this important segment to the private sector has led to some shoddy results.

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