Dirty Bomb

Many Americans no doubt conjure up visions of Hiroshima and mushroom clouds when thinking about Al Qaeda's or Iraq's endlessly discussed (but still not produced) "weapons of mass destruction" (or WMDs). But just how accurate are those images? A so-called "dirty bomb"--i.e., a conventional bomb carrying a small amount of plutonium--is a low-tech, high impact weapon that can do damage comparable to existing nuclear weapons and are far more readily available to interested groups or individuals. This eye-opening NOVA presentation combines testimony from experts and information gained from captured Al Qaeda terrorists in Afghanistan to reveal an alarming truth: it doesn't take sophistication, expensive aircraft, or even a great deal of intelligence to assemble one of these bombs. A chilling, yet highly informative, program outlining a new and very real contemporary nuclear threat, this timely and sure to be popular documentary is definitely recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Carlson)