The current landmine situation is one that undoubtedly deserves United States’ attention and unquestionably demands our action. Unfortunately, the US has not completely risen to this call. Although under President Clinton in 1994, we became the world’s largest contributor to humanitarian mine clearance, we have yet to sign the Mine Ban Treaty. This critical issue is now under a formal policy review by the Bush Administration in which they will decide if changes are necessary.
According to guest lecturer, Dr. Arcangeli, The US Military Demining Program has four main goals. The first is to relieve the plight of the civilian population. This entails going to these countries and aiding them in developing their own system of demining. Though indirectly, this will most certainly assist in the spread of democracy. It begins to place the power, or at least the sense of power, in the hands of the people. Beginning with the feelings of governmental significance, civilians will instinctively become increasingly more involved with their government. The second goal is that is enhancing regional stability. The lands that have all these minefields are very des
Optimistically, I would say that a budget increase would also serve as a research boost. Hopefully the US will soon be able to make a decision one way or the other on what our next course of action will be. I very much enjoyed Dr. Arcangeli’s presentation and am looking forward to increasing my knowledge of this issue. It has been very beneficial to have my vision expanded and to be forced to look beyond what I am used to and that which I find comfortable. Most college students are stuck in a world of midterms and cafeteria food and it is issues like this that provide for a glimpse of a world that is very different from our own.
It is my thinking that given the current circumstances the US Military is doing what it can with the resources it has. I do not understand all the reasons why we have not signed the ban or the implications thereof; however, I am in support of any action that will take effective strides in our global battle against the landmine. The thought of hypocrisy has crossed my mind though in regards to our status on this issue. The phrase ‘put your money where your mouth’ is comes to mind, although, our money is already there, it is the rest o
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