NationStates Jolt Archive


The Use of Non-Conventional Weapons and the Post-Conflict

29-02-2004, 18:12
I have examined Man’s wonderful inventions. And I tell you that in the arts of life man invents nothing; but in the arts of death he outdoes Nature herself, and produces by chemistry and machinery all the slaughter of plague, pestilence, and famine.
George Bernard Shaw. Man and Superman.

Following the Afghan Crisis, a startling report, produced by the Uranium Medical Research Centre (UMRC), was published in January 2003, pointing to the likelihood of large numbers of the Afghan population being exposed to uranium dust and debris. Moreover, 25 % of newborn infants may be suffering from health problems that could be associated with uranium contamination. Some specialists argue that depleted uranium (DU) weapons were used by the coalition forces to penetrate the caverns of Tora Bora and other targets. Therefore, war-torn Afghanistan is bound to become another hot spot environmentally affected by the use of non-conventional weapons.

Regarding armaments, the world has entered a non-conventional era. Non-conventional weapons can be allegedly distinguished from conventional ones in terms of collateral damage, deterrent capability, and environmental consequences. Nuclear, chemical, radiological and biological weapons are accessible to both states and non-state actors – including terrorists, threatening natural and human environment. Due to the development of new technologies, high lethal power has been introduced in the international arena. Several actors trying to settle their differences by war may resort to the use of non-conventional weapons in order to accomplish political goals. Moreover, non-conventional weaponry can give terrorist organizations considerable advantages to further their hostile goals of causing large numbers of casualties and commanding worldwide attention.

Nowadays, the non-proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) is a crucial issue on the peace and security agenda. The North Korean nuclear crisis and the nuclear programs in Iran are likely to pose a complex challenge to the international community in the months to come. In addition to that, the aftermath of the military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan has warned about the possibility of a nuclear nightmare, which would impair reconstruction and development in these territories. Ironically, fears of nuclear proliferation can lead to the use of non-conventional weapons. Depleted Uranium weapons have contaminated numerous locations in Afghanistan and Kosovo, although the use of DU makes a negligible contribution to the natural background levels of uranium in the environment, according to the World Health Organization . Besides that, the so-called ‘’non-lethal weapons” (NLW) categorize weaponry that allegedly destroy without causing damage, which have been used in the Middle East recently. NLW include blackout bombs, E-bombs and high-power microwave weapons, whose multiple effects can contradict their initial premise of a humane war and possibly break the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). People that are not related to military targets may suffer from the use of NLW, which are very similar to lethal technologies in terms of effects. According to the supporters of the idea of non-lethal weapons, nevertheless, these chemical and biological agents might be used safely for a wide range of issues, such as peacekeeping operations and law enforcement.


In a nutshell, delegations from all the world will face tremendous challenges. How to efficiently examine and compile information about non-conventional weapons? Following the use of these weapons, what are the main strategies towards the assessment of its effects? What are the political measures that could be taken to curb these effects and promote development? These are the main questions underlining the heart of the matter.
Pablicosta
29-02-2004, 18:23
I think this should be moved, from a breif scan of it.