NO EASY ANSWERS (2): MINES
Dictator Watch is firmly
opposed to the use of landmines. However, we would be dishonest not to note
that in our visits to Lay Po camp we benefited from their use, since its location
was protected by mine fields.
We are also, of course, opposed to war. But, we recognize that some wars, those
against aggression, in other words, in self-defense, must be fought. For such
wars we believe the only ethical approach is that they be fought without the
use of torture or the involvement of noncombatants. Landmines contravene the
latter, since local residents - villagers, farmers, etc. - can trigger the mines,
including long after the cessation of conflict.
The question is: how can you criticize a group which uses mines, which group
is fighting against oppression from a numerically superior and far better-armed
foe; and, which use has support among the groups general, non-uniformed
population?