Cluster Bombs To Be Banned?

So rare to find anything to rejoice about with this government, but here is a rare opportunity:

Britain is to take cluster bombs out of service, Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said.

The announcement came shortly before diplomats from 109 countries reached an agreement on an international ban on the use of the controversial weapons.

Mr Brown called it a "big step forward to make the world a safer place" and said he hoped more states would follow.

But some of the world's main producers and stockpilers - including the US, Russia and China - oppose the move.

The final draft of the new convention banning cluster bombs went before delegates in Dublin on Wednesday afternoon and the deal was reached much earlier than expected.


No real shocks about those who are opposed to such a move, but at least there is a glimmer of hope. The use of these weapons in Lebanon was a reminder of their indescriminate brutality. However, as RickB at Ten Percent points out, it's not all good news:

Gordon Brown has said the UK needs to increase its nuclear power capacity - raising the prospect of plants being built in new locations.

The prime minister said that with oil prices soaring, it was time to be "more ambitious" for nuclear plans.

No 10 sources said it was "open" as to whether new sites might be needed.

Ministers announced in January they backed new plants, but the focus was on replacing existing nuclear capacity as plants reached the end of their life.

And a review of possible sites published at the same time focused on 14 locations where there have been nuclear power plants before.

Of course, the fact that Gordon Brown's brother is Head of Media for EDF won't have any sway on awarding contracts, will it?

MOD To Keep Cluster Bombs

Remember the good old days of an 'ethical foreign policy'??? No? Neither do I. And here's a further reminder of this country's failure to operate ethically on the global stage:

The British government is deeply divided over its policy on cluster bombs on the eve of international negotiations about a ban, the Guardian has learned.

The split sets the Ministry of Defence, which wants to retain two types of cluster munitions in the British armoury, against Downing Street and the Foreign Office, which want to honour Gordon Brown's pledge last year "to work internationally for a ban" on those weapons that cause unacceptable harm to civilians.

An international conference on cluster munitions - shells or rockets which contain several smaller bombs - begins on Monday in Dublin. Officials said it was unlikely British divisions would be resolved by then. Instead, they hope the position taken by European allies could throw up a workable compromise.

Why not write to Des Browne and tell him what you think of this policy (in a polite way of course)? Here's his email address:

browned@parliament.uk

Now get cracking.

Israel/Lebanon: War crimes without accountability

A year on from the start of the 34-day war between Hizbullah and Israel, Amnesty International today condemned the complete absence of any steps in the two countries affected or internationally to prosecute those responsible for war crimes and other grave violations committed during last summer's conflict.

"Without a full, impartial UN-led inquiry that includes provision for reparations to the victims, there is a real danger of history repeating itself. The total lack of political will to hold to account those responsible for the indiscriminate killing of civilians, more than one thousand of whom lost their lives, is both a gross betrayal of the victims and a recipe for possible further civilian bloodshed with impunity," said Malcolm Smart, Director of Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa programme.

During and after the war Amnesty International investigated violations of international humanitarian law – including war crimes - committed by both Israeli forces and Hizbullah fighters and published its findings in three reports last year. In the face of the patent unwillingness by all concerned parties to investigate the violations, the organization called on the UN to establish a comprehensive, impartial and independent inquiry empowered to investigate the evidence of violations of international law by both Hizbullah and Israel, and to make provision for reparation for the victims. However, the international community has lacked the political will to take the necessary steps to set up such an inquiry.

Partisan politics and selectivity in bodies such as the UN Security Council - the main body with the authority to decide such matters without the agreement of the concerned parties - has effectively left the Lebanese, Israeli and other victims without recourse to justice.

By contrast, the Security Council's decision to establish a tribunal to prosecute those accused of responsibility for the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and other political murders shows that where there is political will the mechanisms for establishing the truth can be created despite the opposition of some of the concerned parties. Amnesty International welcomes the establishment of the tribunal but continues to stress the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to address past war crimes and human rights abuses in Lebanon, including those committed during the war in July-August last year.

In Israel the investigation carried out into the conduct of Israeli forces into the war was limited to military strategy and made no attempt to investigate violations of international humanitarian law, including war crimes committed by Israeli forces, or to establish a mechanism to bring to account those responsible for such violations. In Lebanon, no official investigation at all has been carried out. An inquiry appointed by the UN Human Rights Council was given a one-sided mandate, focusing only on evidence of violations by Israeli forces.

Israel, Lebanon and all other countries in a position to do so should investigate and prosecute those suspected of war crimes.

Although the conflict ended following a UN-brokered ceasefire agreed on 11 August 2006, its repercussions continue to weigh on the civilian population.

Scores of people have been killed or injured in south Lebanon as a result of cluster bombs, launched by Israeli forces mostly in the last 72 hours of the conflict after the ceasefire had been agreed but before it took effect. The United Nations Mine Action Coordination Centre (UN-MACC) has identified 922 sites over which unexploded but still lethal remnants of cluster bombs and other ordnance are scattered and estimates that the clearing will take a year or more. According to UN-MACC, from the time of the ceasefire up until 20 June 2007, 32 people - 24 civilians and eight de-miners - were killed and 210 people were injured in south Lebanon as a result of unexploded cluster munitions.

"Amnesty International repeats its call on Israel to hand over maps detailing the areas its forces targeted with cluster bombs. These are vital to assist bomb clearance and avoid further casualties," said Malcolm Smart.

The organization also calls on the Israeli government to impose a moratorium on the use of all cluster weapons and to provide maps of the locations of the land-mines its forces laid in south Lebanon in past years.

"The Security Council should declare and enforce an arms embargo on both Israel and Hizbullah until effective mechanisms are in place to ensure that weapons will not be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law," said Malcolm Smart.

Amnesty International continues to urge Hizbullah to provide information about the two Israeli soldiers its fighters captured on 12 July 2006 and allow them immediate access to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

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New Treaty Banning Cluster Bombs?

Hopeful news from a conference in Norway regarding the issue of cluster bombs. According to the BBC:

Forty-six nations, including the UK, have pledged to work towards a new treaty banning cluster bombs.

At the end of a two-day conference in the Norwegian capital, Oslo, the countries signed a declaration committing themselves to a ban.

As always, there is a dissenting voice:

The US has rejected any ban, saying the weapons have a place in its arsenal.

But the US aren't alone. Japan, Russia and China also refused to play any part in the efforts to ban their use. It is about time that these indescriminate weapons were banned. One only has to look at the situation in Lebanon to see the effects on the civilian population. They have no place in anyone's arsenal and there is no justification for their continued use.

US Admits Israel May Have Mis-Used Cluster Bombs

Although it comes from a preliminary report, the American government have conceded that Israel may have violated terms regarding the use of cluster bombs. From The Guardian:

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack would not provide details of the report, which was classified.

But he told reporters the department had made a preliminary finding "that there may - likely could have been some violations'' of the agreement by which Israel purchased the weapons from the U.S. He would not specify what those agreements were.

When Israel purchases cluster bombs and other lethal equipment from the United States, it must agree in writing to restrictions on their use.

The report, McCormack said, "is not a final judgment.'' He declined to speculate on what action may be taken against Israel if a violation is confirmed.

Since the end of hostilities in Lebanon, 16 civilians have died and 100 injured as a result of cluster bombs. Cluster bombs that were provided by the American government. The American and Israeli governments must take responsibility for any civilian deaths or injuries as a result of the use of these munitions.

Despite the admission by the US, it would seem highly unlikely that the American government would publicly berate Israel for their indiscriminate use of these weapons. More likely, the findings will be buried away with little or no public comment. Meanwhile, the Lebanese will continue to have their lives blighted by the daily threat posed by these weapons. No wonder the people are fighting back.

Israel Admits Using Cluster Bombs in Lebanon

Remember this by our beloved Melanie Phillips:

But those who make such objectionable claims about Israel's behaviour are, alas, quite impervious to the application of reason. Sections of the media have constructed an utterly diabolical story about Israel which mere facts can never shake.

And then there is her gleeful quote from an IDF captain:

This was perhaps both the most cynical and barbaric disregard for innocent civilian lives of all of Hezbollah's and Iran's strategic choices.

Or how about this:

the willingess to report Hezbollah propaganda as the truth while disparaging Israeli statements as lies.

Apparently, the Western media reported Israeli statements as lies. Apparently, Hezbollah had shown a blatant disregard for the lives of innocent people. Apparently, a diabolical story has been constructed about the Israeli government. So it is interesting to discover that not only did they give misleading statements during the war, they also showed a blatant disregard for the lives of innocent people.

Haaretz has reported today that the IDF has confirmed it targeted populated areas with cluster munitions. This is in complete contradiction to the statements going out during the war that Phillips holds as truth. According to one version during the war, the firing of cluster munitions was done:

"only by methods and means permitted by international law."

That position has now changed. Haaretz reports that:

The upper echelons of the IDF ordered the use of cluster munitions during the war in Lebanon and authorized every target north of the Litani River, including those in densely populated areas, a commander in the IDF's Multiple Launch Rocket System unit said Monday.

So, Phillips, who is diabolical, cynical, barbaric and producing statements littered with lies? Still, the damage has been done and now Phillips can sleep safe at night knowing that she has defended the cause of an army willing to target densely populated areas with cluster munitions.

What the American Government Stands For.....

Here is a list of some of the things that the American government stands for:

• obstructing democracy
• corruption
• torture
• rendition flights
• use of cluster bombs
• militarisation of space
• abuse of prisoners
• bringing Taleban back into Afghan government
• harboring terrorists
• collective punishment of Palestinians
• soft on terror
• racism
• complicit support for war crimes

All that in the last two months. Time for a change? I think so.

US Attempted to Silence Europe Over 'Rendition' Flights

The front page of The Guardian today reports that the CIA tried to persuade Germany not to protest about the human rights record of Morocco, an ally of the US in the 'war on terror'. According to the report, the CIA offered Germany access to one of its citizens as long as the German government co-operated and averted 'pressure from the EU' against human rights abuses in the North African country. The CIA describes Morocco as being a "valuable partner in the fight against terrorism". Once again, the American government ignore human rights abuses in their 'war on terror', but then why should we be surprised? The American government has trampled over every basic human right over the past few years. If another nation behaved in such a manner, it wouldn't take much to work out what would happen.

Of particular note in this report is the fact that Prestwick airport seems to be the airport of choice for all rendition flights. The airport is fast becoming associated with all kinds of human rights abuses, particularly after the delivery of cluster bombs to Israel. It is clear, if it wasn't already, that the US and the UK governments are prepared to not only abandon human rights in their own country, they are also prepared to allow human rights abuses continue in states that are sympathetic to the 'war on terror'. Furthermore, our continual efforts to support such states is adding fuel to the fire of those who wish to see an end to Western interference in their affairs. The more we offer support to countries that have appalling human rights records (particularly predominantly Sunni countries) the more support that Bin Laden will gain for his cause. Until we accept this basic fact, the problem will continue to exist. But then, perhaps that is what they want.

Israel Forces Admit Using Chemical Weapons

The Israeli government has confirmed that it used white phosphorus shells in the war against Lebanon. The admission was made by Jacob Edery when questioned on the subject by Zahava Gal-On, a member of the Knesset. According to The Guardian, Mr Edery told Ms Gal-On:

"The IDF [Israel Defence Force] holds phosphorus munitions in different forms. The IDF made use of phosphorus shells during the war against Hizbullah in attacks against military targets in open ground."

Ms Gal-On was said to be surprised by the comments and was very concerned about this admission by an Israeli government official. When told about these munitions, Ms Gal-On said:

"My original question was about the use of Dime [dense inert metal explosives] weapons by Israel in Gaza but instead I was given the answer to a different question. The use of phosphorus weapons in Lebanon is shocking and unacceptable."

Although these weapons are not banned by international law, there are real concerns about their usage as they are effectively chemical weapons. There have been continued reports of casualties as a result of their use, with some horrific injuries inflicted upon innocent civilians. According to the National Safety Council:

Eating or drinking less than one teaspoon of white phosphorus can cause vomiting; stomach cramps; liver, heart or kidney damage; drowsiness; and even death. Being burned with white phosphorus can cause heart, liver, and kidney damage. Breathing white phosphorus may damage lungs and throat.

White phosphorus can cause changes in the long bones; seriously affected bones may become brittle, leading to spontaneous fractures. White phosphorus is especially hazardous to the eyes and can severely damage them.

High concentrations of the vapors evolved by burning white phosphorus are irritating to the nose, throat, lungs, skin, eyes, and mucus membranes.

Breathing white phosphorus can cause coughing and the development of a condition known as phossy jaw -- poor wound healing in the mouth and a breakdown of the jaw bone. The most common symptom of exposure to white phosphorus is necrosis of the jaw.

Exposure to white phosphorus can also cause nausea, jaundice, anemia, cachexia, dental pain, and excess saliva.

How this can be described as anything other than a chemical weapon is beyond me. There is no doubt that, along with cluster bombs, there should be a more serious effort made by people around the world to have this weapons banned. And, when they have been banned, all those who have used them on the battlefield should face justice for the suffering they have caused.

UK Refuses to Join Call to Ban Cluster Bombs

Once again the priorities of the UK government are exposed to the world community. The government has chosen to ignore the calls for a worldwide ban on cluster bombs (alongside Russia, America and China). This despite the devastating impact that they have had on civilians in Lebanon. The UN has claimed that there are around 1 million bomblets unexploded in the country posing a daily threat to the lives of civilians. Latest figures claim that 20 people have died as a direct result of unexploded bomblets, and 115 have been injured. Of these, children account for 4 deaths and 40 injuries. There is no moral justification for allowing the use of these weapons and they should be banned as soon as possible and their usage made a war crime. Once again, we see the moral degradation of our elected representatives who will do anything to protect the actions of our 'allies'.

Over 1 Million Bomblets in South Lebanon

Despite the end of hostilities in Southern Lebanon, civilians are still dying as a direct result of the actions of the Israeli government. There are reportedly over one million bomblets from cluster bombs fired by Israel, still posing a threat to the civilian population of South Lebanon. According to the manager of the UN's mine removal centre in south Lebanon, Chris Clark, Israel has also failed to provide detailed information on its cluster bomb strikes. The cluster bombs has so far claimed the lives of 14 civilians (including 2 children, with another 32 injured). According to the Herald Tribune:

In one 2-3 meter (6.5-10 foot) radius, 10 cluster bombs were found on the pavement near the entrance to a hospital in the town of Tibnin.

Furthermore, the U.N. refugee agency has claimed that 200,000 people were still displaced in south Lebanon because it was not considered safe for them to return to their homes and it is believed it could take another two years before it is safe to do so.

While it is still legal to use such munitions, many countries have banned their use. The international community, or at least those who signed up to the Ottawa Treaty (not the US, see map below), have reportedly begun 'exploratory' talks on just such a move. While there is still a great tragedy in South Lebanon, there is hope that these despicable weapons will, at long last, be consigned to history. Meanwhile, the Israeli government goes unpunished.

Signatories to the Ottawa Treaty:

The Crimes Continue in Lebanon

Despite the hostilities supposedly being over, the Lebanese people continue to suffer at the hands of the indiscriminate bombing by the Israelis over the course of the conflict. I say indiscriminate, as there is no way that the use of cluster bombs (supplied by the US government) could be described as targeted, given the continued destruction that they cause. According to the humanitarian chief of the UN, Jan Egeland,

90% of the cluster bomb strikes occurred in the last 72 hours of the conflict, when we knew there would be a resolution. Every day people are maimed, wounded and are killed by these ordnance.

According to some estimates, there are as many as 100,000 unexploded ordnance in Southern Lebanon. And yet, as usual, the far-right casually ignore simple facts like these, while keenly pointing out the use of pellets in Hizbullah rockets. These weapons are quite simply designed to cause maximum damage with no consideration of who the victims are. These bombs do not distinguish between Hizbullah and civilians. They simply maim and murder anyone that comes into contact with them. When fired, cluster bombs can cover an area as large as three football pitches, a particularly large area in built up areas where civilians reside. The allegations of the Israeli government 'mis-using' (as if you can use them properly) cluster bombs has even led the US State Department to launch an investigation into their use.

There is no doubt the use of such weapons is questionable at the very least. However, as long as the far-right continue to divert people away from the facts, these crimes will continue.

Lebanon - The Crimes Continue

While everyone has moved their attention from Lebanon to the UK in the wake of the 'terror crisis', the destruction of Lebanon and the inaction of the UN continues. Luckily the terror alert has diverted attention from the very real threat to civilians in Lebanon. Which is jolly useful if you are deeply unpopular government (watch those poll ratings rise).

The latest worrying development, is the attempt to purchase cluster bombs from the US government. Now everyone is well aware of the effects of the use of cluster bombs. They are an indiscriminate weapon that can cause widespread civilian deaths, both in the short term and, when they fail to detonate, in the longer term. The use of these weapons have long been disputed by many governments across the world. Belgium has banned the export of these weapons and others like France, Germany, Denmark have been making moves to follow the Belgian government. Of course the US is, as always, reluctant to call for a ban on what it sees as a vital military weapon. It is deeply irresponsible, however, for Bush Corp to even contemplate selling more weapons to Israel. The Israeli government is frequently keen to point out that the reason so many Lebanese civilians are killed in their air raids is due to the fact that Hizbullah fighters are allegedly firing missiles from amongst the civilian population. If this is true, we are they seeking to use more indiscriminate weaponry?? Surely this will lead to an increase in civilian deaths? Still, a senior official has told the Israelis that they

must be especially careful about firing the rockets into populated areas.

Well, that's ok then isn't it?

Meanwhile, the Israeli ambassador to the UN has rejected Russia's proposal for a three day ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to get through. Apparently, this is because Hizbullah will use the opportunity to re-group. It would seem that if anyone needs the time to re-group it is the Israeli forces, particularly as they are failing to do anything about the resistance in Lebanon. Once again the people who will suffer are the Lebanese. Their infrastructure has been destroyed, civilians are unable to leave the area and the aid efforts are virtually impossible. The fact that the western governments still have not called for an immediate ceasefire, is nothing less than a crime against humanity. For four weeks the bloodshed has been continuing, while the UN is blocked from doing the work that is necessary to aid the Lebanese people. And yet, the Israeli government (and one must presume, the US government) fails to support a resolution which would allow aid to reach the people who so desperately need it.

Despite this, there is hope. American voters in Connecticut have already made clear their views on the criminal activities of their elected representatives by kicking out Lieberman. Now we need to ensure the removal of the arch-war criminals, Bush and Blair. It is not the people who should be fearful, but the elected representatives of a murderous agenda.

Latest from Lebanon

.....meanwhile in Lebanon....the Israeli government have been accused of using cluster bombs and incendiary white phosphorus. The suffering for the people of the Lebanon continues and there is still no sign of a ceasefire. The US has made a belated attempt to solve the crisis, but surely they are playing for time while Israel continues to target Hezbollah? And now Israel says it will occupy South Lebanon. Over 380 Lebanese civilians are now known to have died. Please make your voice heard by visiting any of the links on previous posts and calling for an end to this humanitarian crisis.