'Cluster bomb ban treaty approved'

Jake Sokoloff

1. 'Cluster bomb ban treaty approved'
BBC News
5/28/08
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7423714.stm

2. Wars and the use of certain weapons and bombs have become a very controversial issue that had spread world-wide. Subsequent to ten days of talks, over 100 have agreed to ban new designs of cluster bombs. Cluster bombs are made up of a large container which houses miniature bombs which are released across an area. Diplomats met in Dublin, Ireland where the ban on use of the weapons was decided on.
Some of the biggest nations in the world disagree with the movement including Russia, China, and the United States. Britain, on the other hand, has embraced the treaty and has agreed to cease use of all cluster bombs. The large nations have stated that the bombs are extremely useful while others say that if these miniature bombs do not "explode they leave a deadly legacy for civilians". Survivors of cluster bomb attacks gave their first-hand accounts of the situation during the meetings. A major problem in the situation is specifically the fact that the U.S. military keeps these weapons at bases on British soil. A representative from Britain stated that they would work with Washington, D.C. to reach a solution. The U.S. however remains rigid, issuing a statement that said, the use of cluster bombs are useful to the military and if they are abolished, soldiers will be in harm's way. People hope that the U.S. will eventually change its status and confide to the treaty.

3. Reactions
A. This article directly relates to the AP theme, Impact of interaction and among and within major societies. This specific scenario involves almost all nations internationally across the world. The use of certain weapons is very controversial. A nation deciding not to conform to the banning or approving of certain things could cost them their reputation as well as many important allies and supporters of that country. This is directly shown here. The majority of the nations agree to ban the use of these bombs but many large nations have decided not to.
B. The historical background of the issue began when the first successful empires and nations were built. Military forces as well as self-defense are apart of any major nations priorities. The first cluster bomb was created in Germany during World War 2. The U.S., Russia, and Italy also developed the weapons individually. They have now become a standard weapons used in battle and have the potential to do major damage.
C. There is no indication of any specific author of the article. It was written for BBC news and is probably not on the United State's side.
D. There is definitely possibility for some bias in the point of view of this article. Clearly the author is a news reporter and writer. It is their job to write interesting articles on current events. This could create bias because they might be over-exaggerating as well as embellishing to make the topic sound more interesting or to simply attract readers.
E. In order to have a better understanding of the issue, hearing from more of the United States' point of view as well as a nation not involved in the situation between Britain and the U.S. would help. The article seems to look down upon the United States decision to disagree with the treaty. I would like to hear specific reasons and examples from them to help support their decision. Hearing from an outsider from the issue between Britain and the U.S. would also help in understanding someone else's point of view. This would tell me their opinion on the treaty and the underlying issues being dealt with.
F. I chose this article because I find it very controversial. Wars and weapon use is an issue that has swept the globe and is talked about constantly in the news. It is something that almost everyone in the world has an opinion on and something that will continue to be brought up far into the future.