Germs

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Deadly germs sprayed in malls, anthrax bomblets over battlefields, and plague vials in Times Square represent a new kind of threat—biological weapons that can be produced in simple labs. This investigative work reveals the alarming rise of biowarfare and bioterrorism as a national nightmare. Among the revelations are the CIA's secret development of a Soviet-designed germ bomb, which raised concerns about compliance with global treaties. The Pentagon's attempts to create a superbug and the USSR's extensive biological weapons program, including human testing, are also detailed. The narrative covers the chaotic U.S. response to Iraq's biological weapons during the 1991 Gulf War and a bio-terrorism incident in Oregon that sickened hundreds, which the government downplayed to prevent panic. Plans from the 1960s to use germ weapons against Cuba are discussed, alongside a controversial multibillion-dollar program initiated by Bill Clinton to detect and respond to germ attacks. Based on hundreds of interviews and declassified documents, the work highlights the ongoing struggle against bioweapons, showcasing scientists and officials dedicated to both developing and preventing the misuse of biological weapons. The narrative underscores the potential for germs to become the weapon of the 21st century due to advances in biology and the spread of expertise to rogue states.