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 destabilizing to the communities around them. They result in displace population, poor farm production, many lives ripped apart. This also takes a serious toll on the economy of the surrounding areas. Thirdly, the United Sates military wasn't to promote the US foreign policy. Traditionally, the US has leaned to the isolationist side of international relations, but Nixon and the Post Cold War began to bring us out of seclusion. This trend continued with Carter and his involvement with Egypt and Israel, and also with Reagan, who saw the Berlin Wall fall. Our current President, however, is beginning to lean in the direction of isolationism. The military is hoping that through their de-mining efforts other states will see an example of how to deal in the realm or our global society.
