United States Policy for Anti-Personnel Landmines.
Abstract
Every month, landmines around the world kill 800 people. An estimated 100 million active anti-personnel mines, left from past conflicts lie beneath the ground in at least 70 countries. The International Red Cross estimates that at the current pace of demining, it will cost $33 billion to rid the world of mines, but only if no more are added. Anti-personnel landmines (APL) are an indiscriminate weapon that kill or maim whoever triggers them; friend or foe, civilian or soldier. Over 90 nations have signed the Ottawa Treaty banning all anti-personnel landmines. The U.S. refuses to sign the treaty based on the belief that anti-personnel landmines, of all types, are militarily significant weapons. Recent computer simulations, historical examples and comments by military professional suggest that anti-personnel landmines may not be as effective as the Department of Defense believes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 12, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA345447
Entities
People
- John V. Klemencic
Organizations
- United States Army War College