News Release

November 5, 2002

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Iraq and North Korea Have Smallpox Virus
Defense expert questions prudence of attacking a country that can use smallpox weapon

WASHINGTON -- The CIA now believes that four nations, including Iraq and North Korea, possess the smallpox virus. The agency also has evidence that bin Laden dedicated resources in an attempt to obtain the pathogen. In reaction to this report, Cato Institute Senior Defense Policy Analyst Charles Peņa issued the following statement:

"This news should give serious pause to the administration's quest to invade Iraq and raise concerns about its still undecided smallpox vaccination policy.

"Despite the rhetoric, Iraq is not a direct military threat to the United States homeland. So why launch an unprovoked attack against a country that could retaliate using smallpox as a bioweapon? Or worse, respond to military action by giving the virus to al Qaeda terrorists? This is exactly what CIA Director George Tenet warned at the beginning of October when he said Iraq was currently deterred, but if provoked by a U.S. attack, might assist Islamic extremists in launching an attack against the United States with weapons of mass destruction.

"Moreover, given that the administration is even contemplating such risky action that could trigger the use of smallpox -- the most deadly disease in history that killed more people in the 20th century than all the wars combined -- the fact that it is still sitting on its hands about what to do with its smallpox vaccine stockpile is baffling and irresponsible. An unvaccinated population is completely vulnerable, and the intentional introduction of the smallpox virus would spread faster and wider than public health authorities could keep up with. Even a partially vaccinated population would be an effective defense.

"Instead of having yet another meeting about what to do, the smallpox vaccine should be made available to the public for voluntary inoculation. It's the first responsibility of the federal government to protect its citizenry. And in a free society that values individual life and liberty, continuing to do nothing about smallpox is unacceptable."

Cato Policy Analysis, "Responding to the Threat of Smallpox Bioterrorism: An Ounce of Prevention is Best Approach," which Peņa co-wrote with Cato Fiscal Policy Analyst Veronique de Rugy, is available online.