Channel Tunnel
The English Channel tunnel seems to be close to becoming a reality. After almost two centuries of debate over the idea of building the link between the two great powers--France and England--it now appears both sides have agreed in principle to the construction.
The underground tunnel would shorten the time of crossing the channel and enable trains for the first time to go from London to Paris. At present, the only mode of transport is by air or boat.
However, before the English and French commit billions of dollars to the construction project, they should consider one thing: terrorism. Terrorists have struck at all targets, and what would stop them from striking at the undersea tunnel?
We are fooling ourselves if we believe terrorism will be put to an end by 1993--the year the construction is expected to be completed. Instead, we need to design the tunnel with the terrorists in mind. What materials could be used to prevent a suicide bomber was getting inside the tunnel and blowing himself or herself up for a radical cause? We need to learn our lesson from Beirut, and the countless other cities where terrorists have killed innocent people.
JEFF L. DANIELS
Northridge
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