ClydeR
08-01-2010, 03:27 PM
A global treaty which bans the production and use of cluster bombs has come into force.
The treaty is only binding for countries that have signed and ratified it, and so far does not include the US, Russia, China and Israel.
The treaty has been signed by more than 100 countries including Australia, New Zealand, Britain and Germany.
Cluster munitions contain a number of smaller bomblets, which are designed to cover a large area and deter an advancing army.
But campaigners have long argued that they target civilians, because most unexploded bomblets litter the ground like landmines long after a conflict is over.
Cluster bombs are estimated to have killed nearly 500,000 people worldwide.
But Daniel Goure, from the American think tank the Lexington Institute, says the US will never stop using cluster bombs.
More... (http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/01/2970273.htm)
President Bush wisely refused to go along with the treaty. Since we're the ones who always have to bring liberation and peace to the rest of the world, I don't see why we should go into battle with one hand tied behind our backs.
The treaty is only binding for countries that have signed and ratified it, and so far does not include the US, Russia, China and Israel.
The treaty has been signed by more than 100 countries including Australia, New Zealand, Britain and Germany.
Cluster munitions contain a number of smaller bomblets, which are designed to cover a large area and deter an advancing army.
But campaigners have long argued that they target civilians, because most unexploded bomblets litter the ground like landmines long after a conflict is over.
Cluster bombs are estimated to have killed nearly 500,000 people worldwide.
But Daniel Goure, from the American think tank the Lexington Institute, says the US will never stop using cluster bombs.
More... (http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/01/2970273.htm)
President Bush wisely refused to go along with the treaty. Since we're the ones who always have to bring liberation and peace to the rest of the world, I don't see why we should go into battle with one hand tied behind our backs.