I am not an expert on land mines or in protecting military installations and bases, but it seems odd to me that we would stop production of anti-personnel mines in 1997, eschew their use since 1991, and yet refuse to sign the treaty that bans them. I understand that all the other major military powers are also refusing to sign, even though the treaty has been endorsed by 156 countries. So, I’m not making some sweeping condemnatory judgment about this decision. But if we’re not producing them and we’re not using them, then why take the public relations hit by not signing the treaty?
I guess I’m missing something.
