This Wednesday, an international treaty banning the use, production, and stockpiling of cluster bombs was agreed to by 111 nations who met to discuss the treaty in Ireland. After much discussion and ratification, the treaty was finally suitable for all nations involved. Cluster bombs are notorious for killing and maiming civilians. Irish Foreign minister Michael Martin called it a great progression in international humanitarianism. The treaty also called for provisions to be made to those who have been wounded by cluster bombs. The nations involved in the treaty are responsible for finding and disbanding any remaining cluster bombs that have been launched but did not detonate.
The United States, China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and Israel were all absent from participating in the cluster bomb treaty. This is significant because these nations represent the majority of nations who create, stockpile, and utilize cluster bombs. Without there involvement in such a treaty, cluster bombs will continue to be utilized regularly.
As a dominant military power, do you believe the United States should continue to use cluster bombs? There is no question as to whether they are effective for attacking the enemy. The question pertains to whether or not they should be used when they cause significant civilian casualties and disfigurement. This goes back to a question I posed in a blog entry about a month ago, which was, “are civilian casualties acceptable?” There is no easy answer to a question such as this. Cluster bombs are an effective way to conduct warfare. However one has to wonder whether there is a more precise, accurate weapon that could be utilized which would cause less harm to those who deserve to be protected.
