The editorial board on how the weapons will endanger civilians without being decisive in the war.
 | By Jyoti Thottam Editorials Editor |
On July 7, President Biden decided, over the objections of human rights groups, some of America's allies and some members of Congress in his own party, that the United States would supply Ukraine with cluster munitions, a type of weapon that much of the world has deemed too inhumane to be used because of the risk posed to civilians. |
The editorial board also has a role to play. Drawing on the experience of several of our members in covering foreign policy and conflicts around the world, we wrote, "The rain of bomblets may give Ukraine a military advantage in the short term, but it would not be decisive, and it would not outweigh the damage in suffering to civilians in Ukraine, now and likely for generations to come." That position draws not only on reporting about this war, but also on the editorial board's years of analyzing the debate around cluster munitions and arms control policies; in 2008, for example, the board criticized the Bush administration for its opposition to a treaty to eliminate stockpiles of cluster munitions. |
Whatever your view on this particular issue — or your view of the war in Ukraine as a whole — I hope that you will read and consider our editorial. Ukraine deserves the support of the American people, and that support is made stronger when it is fully informed. |
Here's what we're focusing on today: |
Forward this newsletter to friends to share ideas and perspectives that will help inform their lives. They can sign up here. Do you have feedback? Email us at opiniontoday@nytimes.com. |
|
No comments:
Post a Comment