Nuclear terrorism: health and environmental hazards and threats from ionizing and nuclear radiation

Abstract

After the atrocities of September 11, 2001, Jordan, which has an established reputation for moderation and stability and has itself been a target for terrorism, immediately condemned the attacks against innocent people and confirmed its support for the international coalition against terrorism. His Majesty King Abdullah II has been vocal in denouncing terrorism on the international scene and moved swiftly to join the fight against this phenomenon. King Abdullah II was the first Arab and Muslim leader to foresee that the world’s realities had changed after September 11. He launched a campaign to highlight the true face of Islam in the wake of the terrorist attacks and was adamant in conveying the genuine religious principles of Islam, pointing out that this monotheistic religion of peace, tolerance, and equality had been “hijacked” by the perpetrators of the September 11th events. In its international humanitarian efforts of peacekeeping around the world, Jordan was the first and only Arab and Islamic country to deploy a medical mission to Mazzar Al Sharif in Afghanistan. Over a period of 6 months, the Jordanian Armed Forces Medical Services team, composed of 400 army personnel of physicians, nurses, and medical technicians, treated almost 48,000 patients. A state-of-the-art field hospital containing 70 beds, equipped with two operating rooms, and having intensive-care units was established. It also contains sections for men, women, pediatrics, maternity, and various specialties, including dermatology, with a capacity of 10 surgeries and 500 outpatient visits daily. At the same time the hospital runs a training program for doctors, nursing staff, and technicians. This mission is indicative of Jordan’s commitment to help and assist all people who suffered from and were victims to the scourge of terrorism. Jordan has been and will cotinue to be a moderating and trusted force in the search for global peace.