Security issue of the century or just hot air?

It is known that al-Qaida has tried to obtain weapons of mass destruction such as chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear devices. We also know that Osama bin Laden and cohorts would use a nuclear weapon in the blink of an eye if they got hold of one.

That is why the United States and other countries are so concerned about Iran's intentions to develop nuclear power. The nightmare scenario being that Iran will use uranium to develop a bomb of their own which they will either use themselves or supply to a terrorist organisation to use on their behalf.

It is also why there is concern about a regime change in Pakistan, which has nuclear weapons, especially if Islamists dominated a new government there.

If the apocalyptic version of climate change happens then more people will die than in a single nuclear attack, as devastating as that would be. The trouble is that eminent scientists disagree as to the likelihood and consequences of global warming.

So will terrorism or climate change be the security issue of the century? Ask me in 93 years.

Should Commissioner Keelty be highlighting possible policing problems for the future? Absolutely.

I just hope that current or retired members of the Defence Force aren't wheeled out to comment on Keelty's speech.