Fukuda hints at revising Japan's position on anti-cluster bomb pact

Saturday 24th May, 04:59 AM JST

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nandakandamanda at 12:38 PM JST - 24th May

What's the problem with cluster bombs? A or B, or both?

A. They're inhumane towards soldiers, period. B. They're inhumane towards soldiers, but inefficiently so; by not exploding immediately, they end up becoming a kind of landmine, inhumane towards extra/post-conflict civilians too.

If the problem is B, then how about some international standards, as for seatbelts or car crumple zones? More than 99% of cluster bombs must explode when intended, and pass an international test to prove this, or they can be judged a crime against humanity?
Sebarashii at 05:49 PM JST - 24th May
banning of their use in urban areas and mandating measures to reduce dud bombs as much as possible, rather than seek a comprehensive ban.
1. Not using cluster bombs in urban areas will be a great help for all those people in conflict areas, whos fields are cluttered with duds, and who have to send their women and children to clear them to protect their farm animals.
2. What measures exactly could reduce the number of duds? Better technology? More sensitive detonators?
This Japanese proposal, if it ever gets to the point of presentability, will be completely ignored by all sides. The pro-cluster bomb faction won't accept limitations, and the anti-cluster bomb faction will see it as the "retorical dud" that it is.