Military Power

The United Nations has begun the long process of getting as many countries as they can to sign a treaty banning cluster bombs. More than 100 countries have signed this treaty already, however Russia, China and the United States are refusing to sign.

Reasons for the treaty were because of the increased dangers of civilians being casualties. This is because of how the bomb works in disbursement, and also because of the rather large number of unexploded ordinance laying around the battle field like land-mines.

Cluster Bombs have been used since WW2, and they work by disbursing smaller bombs out of the primary shell, which is extremely effective in lower the number of enemy troops on the battle-field.

What do you guys think? Should Russia, China and the United States sign the treaty? Or are there specific reasons of why cluster bombs should be removed from an arsenal?

Sources: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7762031.stm

I can see why Russia, China and the United States wouldn't sign. Those 3 are the worlds major arms producers. Plus, I don't think the ban has exceptions, and the U.S. now uses self-destructing cluster bombs which will destroy themselves, and, it bans "leaflet dispensing" cluster bombs, which, oh my goodness, you might get a paper cut. Third, it requires all countries to "assist victims of the weapons". To my knowledge, it doesn't specify to what extent each country is to "assist" and if it is like most of the U.N. activities, the U.S. will take the brunt of it. Plus, it doesn't specify if preexisting assistance counted or if you have to increase the assistance you provide. I don't know how much Russia and China does, but the U.S. already does a lot.

On top of that, a key provision in the draft treaty prohibits governments from "assisting, inducing, or encouraging" states that do not join the treaty with any act that is prohibited by the treaty. In other words, British frontline troops who call in artillery support or air strikes in Afghanistan or Iraq (or future engagements) from an American war plane, all of which carry cluster munitions, could be hauled into court.

Very very interesting thought Goliath. It's kind of funny how the U.S. will assist victims of cluster bombs. "Hi, sorry we blew the crap out of you, let us make up for it by rebuilding your town!"

I read in my newspaper the extremely feeble excuse put out by Washington for not agreeing to the ban on cluster bombs was that “it might endanger US soldiers on the ground”. Well sorry, but aren’t soldiers very highly paid to possibly have to face the prospect of being in a perilous situation. A five-year-old child in some peasant village with both legs blown off certainly isn’t.

Wouldn’t have anything to do with Arms industry profits, would it Mr. Congressman?

You may have a point Hobilar. I personally don't know my opinions on cluster bombs yet, because they are a tool in warfare which prevails the ones using them. However there are high civilian casualties when using them. I will get back to you when I finally draw my opinions on the matter, in the meantime...add more onto the topic.

Did you know who invented the cluster bomb in the first place?

It was the Russians-They were first used in the Winter War against Finland in 1939

(Just a bit of useless information of no importance)