Accident Quote by Ban Ki-moon
“The possibility that terrorist groups could obtain weapons of mass destruction should not be dismissed as a fiction. This is a horrific threat the international community should take seriously. As long as these weapons exist, so, too, does the risk of their use - by accident or design.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: United Nations General Assembly, 2015
The risk of terrorist groups acquiring WMDs is real and must be taken seriously, because accidents or deliberate use could cause catastrophic harm.
In simple terms: Terrorists could get WMDs, posing a serious danger.
Key Takeaway
Treat the threat as real and act to prevent it.
Themes
security
terrorism
global risk
policy
prevention
Mood
urgent
concerned
serious
Type
policy
warning
call‑to‑action
When to use this quote
- international negotiations
- border security
- intelligence monitoring
- public preparedness
Key Concepts
non‑proliferation
deterrence
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- How can the international community ensure compliance?
- What safeguards are most effective against accidental release?
A Different Perspective
Even with safeguards, enforcement is difficult and political will may wane.
![“We used to be a serious country. When we got attacked at Pearl Harbor, we took on Imperial Japan, Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany. We beat all three in less than four years. We're about to enter the seventh year of this phony war against ... [terrorist groups], and we're losing.” quote by Newt Gingrich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/995/newt-gingrich-792_attacked_we-used-to-be-a-serious-country-when-we_366981.jpg)
![“We call for, on the other hand - how do you deal with ISIS [Islamic State], of course, is the question that comes up immediately, ISIS and other terrorist groups.” quote by Jill Stein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bb2/jill-stein-660_come-up_we-call-for-on-the-other-hand-how-do-you_184715.jpg)
