TERRORISM'S INTENT - Writing in Newsweek, October 29, 2001, pg. 76, George F. Will said, "Hijacked aircraft and powdered anthrax -such terrorist tools are crude and scarce compared with computers, which are everywhere and inexpensive. wielded with sufficient cunning, they can spread the demoralizing helplessness that is terrorism's most important byproduct."
In the October 18, 2001issue of The Wall Street Journal (page A-8) it was reported that the former deputy head of the former Soviet agency that manufactured anthrax and other agents for biological weapons, told the U.S. House National Security Subcommittee that the primary use of anthrax was not to cause death or illness. Reportedly Dr. Ken Alibek said Soviet goals were, "Inciting panic and fear, paralyzing the nation, overwhelming medical services, causing severe economic damage," and death or illness came in fifth. Without evidence, no one can be sure what goals terrorists (foreign or domestic) might have, but former Soviet strategy is worth considering.