One hundred days later, Esper still must explain landmine policy reversal
Throughout the history of warfare, some weapons have been banned because they are inhumane, indiscriminate, and/or pose an ongoing threat to noncombatants long after their use. Landmines are one of those weapons, which is why 164 countries around the world have agreed to ban them by joining the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty.
Concern about landmines is also why 107 members of Congress sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Mark Esper 100 days ago, taking issue with the Trump administration's new policy on these weapons. That policy, first announced in late January, allows for the use of indiscriminate antipersonnel landmines by the U.S. military anywhere in the world.
These are not weapons we need. Aside from an isolated single use in 2002 in Afghanistan, the United States has not deployed victim-activated antipersonnel mines since 1991, exported them since 1992, or produced them since 1997. While arguing that an exception should exist for landmines on the Korean peninsula, the United States over the past two decades has become by far the world's largest donor for clearing minefields. And, in fits and starts, has moved closer to joining the Mine Ban Treaty - a treaty that expressly prohibits any use of these weapons and is supported by all our NATO allies.
Congressional leaders, regardless of party, are right to push back and question the policy shift. Sadly, the Department of Defense has, so far, ignored their questions. In response, Congress should redouble its efforts to get answers through public hearings, as well as pursue new legislative restrictions that would block landmine use or production.
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