Cluster Bombs: Eliminating the Worldwide Threat
Cluster bombs used to be state-of-the-art weaponry during the Vietnam wars. The concept of spreading numerous fatal explosions over a large area from a single launch holds great promise in times of war, as there is obviously a high probability of hitting enemy units. However, as exemplified by the utilization of such types of ammunition by the United States, the concept did not really hold to be true in terms of real world efficiency (Cluster Munition Coalition [CMC], “The Problem”). In fact, numerous bomblets do not explode upon hitting the ground, yet they still maintain explosive potential. Thus, they are still a hazard towards all individuals that they come into contact with. In this sense, the cluster bombs are really tools aimed towards destruction. However, its use is an obvious disregard for the nature of the people that it might affect. It is highly probable that civilians and enemies may intersect in terms of location, but it does not necessarily mean that at such events, one must still pursue the enemies even if civilians are killed in the process.
Civilians are generally at peril from these cluster bombs. During periods of war, civilians are supposed to be protected from any direct harm as dictated by regulations in war; the cluster bomb is then considered as a potential breach to the regulations due to the fact that no mechanism for selectivity in terms of targets is present (CMC, “The Problem”). Thus, it is certain that civilian casualties are a direct effect of using cluster bombs. In this sense, during the time when such weapons were used, it must have been a common concept in war that such rules regarding civilian safety are disregarded if their sacrifice will result in a definite advantage. In addition, bomblets that have not exploded from the historic wars in the past continue to pose a thread again towards numerous civilians (CMC, “The Problem”). Thus, the problems imposed by cluster bomb technology have been existent up to the current point in history, further giving a notorious repute. Numerous cases of injuries due to exploding bomblets are still reported throughout the world. Such threats towards civilians were explicitly characterized in the movie Bombies by Jack Siberman.
Minimizing or eliminating the problems caused by cluster bombs is of course of utmost importance. One can only imagine the wasted lives due to death and crippled limbs as a result of explosions. In fact, one can clearly imagine that the victims of the cluster bombs are generally unaware of the danger that they are going to face; most likely, they are simply just going around and accomplishing their tasks or jobs, but instead, they will come across something that might take away their livelihood. In addition to this, it has been established that most of the victims of exploding bomblets were in fact children (CMC, “The Problem”). One should know that there are considerably enough victims to finally put a stop to the problem, but in reality, the solution to it is not as simple and not as easily done.
There is an ongoing movement to influence countries into joining the Convention on Cluster Munitions. As a result of the convention, more than 90 countries have signed up, and also seven countries have already ratified (CMC, “The Solution”). These are positive numbers, but it is important to understand first what are the pointers implied in the convention. Basically, the convention implies that countries should completely terminate the production of cluster type ammunitions in their territories, engage in clearance operations for eliminating unexploded bombs, provide support towards those that have become victims of the cluster bombs, and act in unison with other countries against the use of cluster type ammunitions (CMC, “The Solution”). Given such pointers and the support that it has garnered, then it is clear that the real aim of the convention is to coerce countries into eliminating cluster bombs in general.
As mentioned, it is rather positive that over 90 countries have signed, but this is not enough. One must keep in mind that for the actions discussed in the convention to become an international law, 30 countries must ratify (CMC “The Solution”). The reason why other countries have not yet ratified is rather puzzling. The only countries that have already ratified are Austria, The Holy See, Ireland, Lao PDR, Mexico, Norway, and Sierra Leone (CMC, “23 Ramifications”). In effect, it is possible that only those seven countries are indeed serious about eliminating cluster bombs. As for the other countries, one could not help but think about the possible reasons as to why they have not yet ratified or confirmed their support and compliance towards the proposed rules and actions. Possibly, there is still an urge for those countries to build or to store cluster bombs for whatever specific reason they may have in doing so. In that sense, one may begin to think that the countries that have signed and yet have not ratified are no different from those that have not signed at all.
However, this way of thinking is rather hasty due to the fact that countries still have to develop or exhibit a sense of advantage in terms of armaments. In this sense, the reason behind such indecisive actions regarding the abolition of cluster bombs may be due to the possibility that in case of conflicts, they may be compromised if other countries did not eliminate cluster bombs while they did. In this sense, there is a valid reason for countries to think twice about ratification. Yet, there should also be a realization that if more countries do not take a stand not only for peace in general but also for the welfare of the innocent individuals who may become victims of cluster bombs if appropriate changes in policy are not made, then instead of worrying about being at a disadvantage during conflicts, these countries should focus their attention on the more realistic problem of civilian injuries and casualties. Therefore, for the welfare of people throughout the world, cluster bombs must be eliminated by each country permanently.
Works Cited
Cluster Munition Coalition. “23 Ratifications Needed Until Entry into Force.” Cluster
Munition Coalition Official Website. n.d. 8 May 2009. <http://www.stopclustermunitions.org/treatystatus/>
—. “The Problem.” Cluster Munition Coalition Official Website. n.d. 8 May 2009.
<http://www.stopclustermunitions.org/the-problem/>
—. “The Solution.” Cluster Munition Coalition Official Website. n.d. 8 May 2009.
<http://www.stopclustermunitions.org/the-solution/>
