Have you read Reznikov’s memorandum on the use of cluster munitions?
Cluster munitions will save Ukrainian lives. That is really the only metric that matters.
Ukraine did not ask for this war.
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It’s morally wrong in the abstract, similar to the civilian risk in unexploded mines. However this is Ukraine wanting to use cluster munitions to recapture their own territory and drive out the invader, knowing full well the risk to their own population once the war ends. That puts a different slant on it, I think.
It should also be noted that Ukraine has already been using cluster munitions, they’re just running low on ammo. They’ve also been using plenty of mines that have a similar civilian risk. War is a nasty business. Anything that helps them get this over with as soon as possible is morally defensible in my view.
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I haven’t read it. But I think these and land mines are nearly on the same level as poison gas in WWI.
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I suppose this is because if Ukraine joins NATO now,
that would mean NATO is at war with Russia.
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Cluster munitions are not “land mines”.
Ukraine is running out of standard arty rounds.
Cluster rounds are being used as a stop-gap until standard arty production can catch up with demand.
…and you really should read Reznikov’s memorandum. It prescribes a very narrow and limited use of cluster munitions.
Russia wants to wipe Ukraine off the map. That’s the overarching crime that justifies Ukraine doing whatever it needs to do to avoid this genocide.
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i like many of your posts, jones, but we’re not going to agree on this one
I care passionately about Ukraine winning this hideous war, but not at the expense of becoming like the bad guys
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The dam breach is more than just a war crime. It will kill innocent people in decades to come. It would be well for the international community to come together to rebuild that dam. To the safety of the nuke plant if nothing else as it needs cooling water. My opinion is the Russians did it. The dam had been damaged in fighting before the breach.
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At least some of the munitions they have been using disarm themselves after a fixed time period. There were artillery-launched anti-tank mines that were quite effective and then became inert after a few days.
that certainly does not mean all of them. I am thinking of the little nasties still lying around in Cambodia and Viet Nam.
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US drones kill Islamic State leader in Syria after
overcoming Russian harassment.
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I have no problem agreeing to disagree on this issue. My point is your understanding of cluster munitions and their use appear to me as somewhat superficial.
Cluster bombs are simply a very efficient way of delivering grenades. Russia uses them against civilians. Ukraine intends to use them only against Russian fortifications, armor and personnel (as per the Reznikov memorandum).
War is hell and Russia started it. Whatever ends it sooner rather than later saves Ukrainian lives.
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If the Russians say they did not destroy the dam, they should not object to its restoration.
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Good luck with your exorcism. Can’t think of a better place to do it!
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Love the place. But going in July? Understand, not your choice. Just be careful trying to get that one cat photo. They are bigger and meaner in the NP.
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Pack good UVA/B sunscreen, full rain-gear, and an extra water bottle, watch where you stand and enjoy; I love that place like no other but it can get rough as you doubtless know. Lightning Danger - Grand Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
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If you need a pick me up, here’s a story about an elk.
Meet Bruiser, Whidbey Island’s loneliest (and only) resident elk | The Seattle Times
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I was bitten by a lynx in the canyon in '71. It attacked us during the night, tore at our sleeping bags, gave me a bite wound in the foot. Not from meanness, I think from hunger – it could smell the down in the bags. Along with several other victims I reported the incident to park officials once back up and out of the canyon. Mounted park rangers hunted it down and shot it, tested it, and notified me by letter that it wasn’t rabid. Sad shame that.
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For a awhile I tried to keep track of Ruzzia’s war crimes but gave up some months ago. I assume someone is doing it more or less officially but the crimes are so extensive I have no idea what if anything can or will be done about it; it’s become its own terrible version of flooding the zone.
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Imagine, an elk who decided to not be part of his own ilk
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Here are Vindman’s thoughts on cluster munitions.
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We will man the ramparts in your absence, kind sir. I know the canyon well. If you can manage it hike down to Phantom Ranch at the bottom and partake of a wonderful steak dinner there. Don’t forget to purchase a hat or a t-shirt to cement the memory of the hike. We did the hike in in 2006.
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