Given the current interest in biological weapons, in the next few days I will be bringing to your attention a few excellent background articles on biological warfare from the New Yorker magazine.

Background – Anthrax – A historical case report of one of the last anthrax cases in the United States, from the early 1960’s, told in story form. A good review of what anthrax does to humans.

• New Yorker: A Man Named Hoffman

Royal Marines – 200 Royal Marines from 40 Commando will stay in the Persian Gulf and assist in the campaign. They will be based on HMS Fearless and will have their helicopters based on HMS Illustrious.

• BBC: Blair outlines UK troop decision
• The Times: Britain deploys 4,200 troops in show of resolve
• Sunday Times: Mountain marines ready for snow strike
• Daily Telegraph: Ground phase gains momentum

Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force – Japan may send naval ships to the Indian Ocean, but not to the Persian Gulf.

• Associated Press: Japan Reportedly Considers Warships

US Navy – Does the US Navy still need it’s Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) communications network for communicating with ballistic missile submarines?

• Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Battle lines drawn over ELF