Threats of Terror and Annihilation

The term “weapons of mass destruction” was first coined during the Nazi aerial bombing of the Spanish town of Guernica in 1937. Germany’s Luftwaffe relentlessly dropped thousands of explosive munitions over the Basque region killing hundreds of civilians in a demonstration of force meant to terrorize the public and the separatist Basque government. The city was devastated by war.

Several years later, the world was thrust into the nuclear arms race with the U.S. bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. Politicians and government leaders at the time explained that the use of weapons of mass destruction was necessary to end aggression with Japan and, in the long run, save the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Since the end of World War II, weapons of mass destruction have come to include nuclear, chemical and biological agents. Historically, the threat of release of weapons of mass destruction has remained trump cards and bargaining chips for world super powers. However, in the more contemporary age, their existence has been used by religious extremists and tyrannical governments to instill fear and in a few documented cases the murder of thousands of civilians.

Recently, rumors, allegations and investigations have been made into the purported release of chemical weapons by the Syrian government upon its own citizens. All eyes are focused on the Middle East as the world awaits the reactions of the United Nations and the U.S. government. Retaliation may be imminent which could enflame tensions with nations such as Iran.

Although we sit comfortably in our offices thousands of miles away, the threats, risks and hazards are more tangible to the thousands of American civilian contractors working throughout the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

Most life insurance policies exclude coverage for nuclear, chemical and biological warfare. However, Petersen International Underwriters is able to include coverage for war and terrorism as well as coverage in case of the release of nuclear, chemical or biological weapons (NCB). NCB coverage is now available on an individual or group basis and additional benefits are available for dismemberment and permanent total disability.

Contact Petersen International immediately to discuss your international clients’ life insurance options including the added benefits of NCB protection.