Daily Current Affairs : 8-July-2023
In recent news, the United States has made the decision to send cluster munitions to Ukraine to support its military efforts against Russian forces. Cluster munitions are a type of conventional weapon designed to disperse smaller explosives over a wide area. While proponents argue that the use of cluster munitions by Russia necessitates a response, critics raise concerns about their indiscriminate nature and potential harm to civilians. This essay will explore the features and legality of cluster munitions, instances of their usage in conflicts, and the criticism surrounding the recent decision.
Cluster Munition: Definition and Features
Cluster munitions are conventional munitions that are intended to disperse explosive submunitions, each weighing less than 20 kilograms. When deployed, they open in the air and release smaller “bomblets” that can hit multiple targets simultaneously. These weapons are designed to destroy vehicles, infrastructure, and harm both troops and civilians indiscriminately over a large area. Cluster munitions can be dropped from aircraft or launched through projectiles that scatter the bomblets as they travel.
Legality of Cluster Munitions
The use of cluster munitions itself does not violate international law. However, using them against civilians is considered a violation. The Convention on Cluster Munitions, ratified by over 120 countries, prohibits the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster bombs. Notably, the United States, Russia, and Ukraine have not signed this convention. Amnesty International emphasizes that international humanitarian law prohibits the use of inherently indiscriminate weapons like cluster munitions and considers launching such attacks on civilians as a war crime.
Instances of Usage in Conflicts
Cluster munitions have been deployed in various recent conflicts. During the US invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, American forces considered cluster bombs as an integral part of their arsenal. In Syria’s civil war, Russian-supplied cluster munitions were frequently used by the Syrian government troops against opposition strongholds, often causing damage to civilian targets and infrastructure. The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen has also faced criticism for its use of cluster bombs in the conflict with the Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Furthermore, during the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s, the Russians heavily relied on cluster bombs. In Ukraine, Russian forces have reportedly used cluster bombs on multiple occasions, according to Ukrainian government leaders, observers, and humanitarian groups.
Criticism of the Recent Decision
The recent decision by the United States to send cluster munitions to Ukraine is expected to generate outrage from allies and humanitarian groups that have long opposed the use of these weapons. Proponents argue that Russia’s use of cluster munitions in Ukraine justifies a response, and the munitions provided by the US have a reduced dud rate. This reduced rate means there will be fewer unexploded rounds that could inadvertently harm civilians. However, critics emphasize the indiscriminate nature of cluster munitions and express concerns about potential civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure.
Important Points:
- Cluster munitions are conventional weapons that disperse smaller explosive submunitions over a wide area.
- They are designed to destroy vehicles, infrastructure, and harm both troops and civilians indiscriminately.
- The use of cluster munitions itself does not violate international law, but using them against civilians is considered a violation.
- The Convention on Cluster Munitions prohibits the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster bombs, but the US, Russia, and Ukraine have not signed it.
- Cluster munitions have been deployed in conflicts such as the US invasion of Afghanistan, the Syrian civil war, and the conflict in Yemen.
- Proponents argue that Russia’s use of cluster munitions in Ukraine justifies a response.
- Critics emphasize the indiscriminate nature of cluster munitions and express concerns about civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.
- Amnesty International states that using inherently indiscriminate weapons like cluster munitions constitutes a war crime.
- The recent decision by the United States to send cluster munitions to Ukraine has generated criticism from allies and humanitarian groups.
- Proponents argue that the munitions provided by the US have a reduced dud rate, reducing the risk of unintended civilian deaths.
Why In News
In a significant move, the United States has made the strategic decision to provide Ukraine with additional military support, including cluster munitions, aimed at bolstering its defensive capabilities and countering the persistent presence of Russian forces along the front lines. This decision reflects the United States’ commitment to assisting Ukraine in its efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and deter any further aggression from Russian-backed forces.
MCQs about The United States’ Cluster Munitions Decision
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What is the primary purpose of cluster munitions?
A. Target specific military installations
B. Minimize civilian casualties
C. Destroy infrastructure and harm troops indiscriminately
D. Provide precision strikes against enemy forces
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Which international agreement prohibits the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster bombs?
A. Geneva Conventions
B. Convention on Cluster Munitions
C. Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
D. Chemical Weapons Convention
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Which conflict saw the heavy use of cluster munitions by Russian forces?
A. Syrian civil war
B. War in Yemen
C. Invasion of Afghanistan in the 1980s
D. Conflict between Russia and Ukraine
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What is one major criticism of the United States’ decision to send cluster munitions to Ukraine?
A. Limited effectiveness against enemy forces
B. High risk of collateral damage and civilian casualties
C. Violation of international law
D. Lack of support from allies and humanitarian groups
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