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Even the major driver behind the mine ban treaty Frank O'Dea notes that the only reason the US didn't sign the treaty is no exception was made for the Korean DM

Even the major driver behind the mine ban treaty Frank O'Dea notes that the only reason the US didn't sign the treaty is no exception was made for the Korean DMZ. He gives significant credit to the United States for making the ban possible in the first place. If you have time I highly recommend reading his book "When All You Have is Hope" - his transformation from an alcoholic to running a large coffee change and then later charitable work is heartening.

ShorsHammer 7y ago
If you look into the international treaties worldwide you'll find the US has exceptions made for it all the time to the point of making the treaties basically not apply to them. Why are mines in the Korean DMZ more important than mines anywhere else on earth? Because if that was all it was about then why are US violations of the (non-signed) treaty still carried out across the globe? Mines were used in Afghanistan. Exceptionalism and nationalistic fervour that demands inequitable laws isn't something to proud of. There's still thousands killed and maimed by US landmines each year in SE Asia and the sole country responsible has wiped it's hands clean of it. You don't have to look far in Cambodia to see old women missing limbs thanks to Uncle Sam. The actual legal steps to ban landmine usage and production only occured in 2014 under Obama.
- jdsully 7y ago
  Mines along the DMZ are important because it prevents North Korea’s significant land army from crossing into the South. Without it Seoul is at significant risk. Everyone points to the south’s modern weaponry and US backing as reasons why the DMZ mines are not needed. However the US had a significant tech advantage in the Korean War and almost lost completely (even before China entered the war). They were saved only by a daring beach landing in the Battle of Inchon.

ShorsHammer 7y ago

If you look into the international treaties worldwide you'll find the US has exceptions made for it all the time to the point of making the treaties basically not apply to them. Why are mines in the Korean DMZ more important than mines anywhere else on earth? Because if that was all it was about then why are US violations of the (non-signed) treaty still carried out across the globe? Mines were used in Afghanistan. Exceptionalism and nationalistic fervour that demands inequitable laws isn't something to proud of. There's still thousands killed and maimed by US landmines each year in SE Asia and the sole country responsible has wiped it's hands clean of it. You don't have to look far in Cambodia to see old women missing limbs thanks to Uncle Sam. The actual legal steps to ban landmine usage and production only occured in 2014 under Obama.

jdsully 7y ago
Mines along the DMZ are important because it prevents North Korea’s significant land army from crossing into the South. Without it Seoul is at significant risk. Everyone points to the south’s modern weaponry and US backing as reasons why the DMZ mines are not needed. However the US had a significant tech advantage in the Korean War and almost lost completely (even before China entered the war). They were saved only by a daring beach landing in the Battle of Inchon.