U.S. Truant as Cluster Bomb Treaty Is Signed
One hundred eleven countries have signed a comprehensive ban on the use, production, transfer and stockpiling of cluster bombs, concluding a 12-day meeting on the issue in Dublin. Notably absent from the list of signatories was the U.S. -- the largest cluster bomb manufacturer in the world -- as well as military heavyweights Israel, Russia, China, India and Pakistan.
One hundred eleven countries have signed a comprehensive ban on the use, production, transfer and stockpiling of cluster bombs, concluding a 12-day meeting on the issue in Dublin. Notably absent from the list of signatories was the U.S. — the largest cluster bomb manufacturer in the world — as well as military heavyweights Israel, Russia, China, India and Pakistan. Cluster bombs are widely criticized as being disastrous to civilian populations both during and after wars, because fallen but unexploded bomblets can remain active and potentially lethal for decades.
WAIT, BEFORE YOU GO…Voice of America:
Delegates from 111 countries have formally adopted a comprehensive ban on cluster bombs.
The treaty comes at the close of a 12-day meeting Friday in Dublin and bans the use, production, transfer and stockpiling of cluster bombs. It requires signatories to destroy their stocks within eight years and to assist in clearing contaminated areas.
The United States – one of the world’s largest cluster bomb makers – opposes a ban. It boycotted the Dublin conference, along with Israel, Russia, China, India and Pakistan.
If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.
Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.
These are not countries that pose a danger to the US They are countries that face instability and displacement when the U comes knocking.
Well said, your honor: A federal judge in Pennsylvania -- one John E. Jones III of the Federal District Court in Harrisburg, to be precise -- did away with the state's ban on same-sex marriage on Tuesday, declaring it unconstitutional with an eloquent flourish.
Vermont became the first state to ban the controversial gas-drilling technique that pumps huge volumes of toxic fluid deep into the ground and that has been shown to contaminate drinking water supplies.
The European Union announced Saturday that it is banning purchases of Syrian oil, a first for Europe, which had thus far avoided targeting Syrian industry as a method to stem the government violence there. (more)
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.