Guide Note

On May 30, 2008, more than 100 nations adopted a treaty banning the use of cluster bombs. Six countries did not sign the agreement, including the United States, Pakistan, China, Russia, Israel and India.

A State Department spokesman said American policy on the use of cluster bombs will not change, adding that such weapons "are absolutely critical and essential."

Fast Facts

1. U.S. did not sign treaty
2. Treaty adopted in Dublin, Ireland
3. Also calls for destruction of cluster bomb stockpiles within eight years
4. Norway initiated talks in 2007 that led to agreement
5. Agreement set for signing in Oslo, Norway in December 2008

The United Nations says more than 13,000 injuries or deaths worldwide have occurred because of cluster bombs. Most were in Afghanistan, Kosovo and parts of Vietnam.

Cluster bombs often leave behind smaller munitions, called "bomblets," which can go off many years after the initial bomb is dropped, injuring civilians.

1. "...a new international standard that will enhance the protection of civilians, strengthen human rights and improve prospects for development." —Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General
2. "We are very strongly committed to work to address this problem, but we may have some disagreements about the right venue and the right tactics to follow."—Scott Stanzel, White House spokesman
3. "This is a treaty drafted largely by countries which do not fight wars. Treaties like this make me want to barf. It's so irrelevant. Completely feel-good..." —John Pike, defense analyst