(31. Januar 2003) A classified document signed by President Bush specifically allows for the use of nuclear weapons in response to biological or chemical attacks, apparently changing a decades-old U.S. policy of deliberate ambiguity, it was learned by The Washington Times. „The United States will continue to make clear that it reserves the right to respond with overwhelming force” including potentially nuclear weapons ”to the use of [weapons of mass destruction] against the United States, our forces abroad, and friends and allies,“ the document, National Security Presidential Directive 17, set out on Sept. 14 last year.

A similar statement is included in the public version of the directive, which was released Dec. 11 as the National Strategy to Combat Weapons of Mass Destruction and closely parallels the classified document.

However, instead of the phrase „including potentially nuclear weapons,“ the public text says, „including through resort to all of our options.“