Digital Commons Network^™

Chechnya, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

For the past 10 years, a violent conflict between the Russian military and Chechen rebels has resulted in accusations of kidnapping, rape, looting and other atrocities from both sides. Instances of violence constantly plague the Chechen population, including accidents involving unexploded ordnance and landmines.

The Mine Action Express… Or The Wreck Of The ‘09, Dennis Barlow

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The author discusses current challenges relating to an effective global mine action strategy; he considers approaches and policies that could enhance or impede demining efforts worldwide. There are many emerging concepts to consider in order to improve mine action, such as mainstreaming, risk management and national ownership. The author discusses potential future plans of action the community must undertake regarding these issues in order to deal effectively with landmines and explosive remnants of war.

Explosive Remnants Of War And Their Consequences, Jonmahmad Rajabov

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

This article examines the post-conflict situation of Tajikistan, which has not only anti-personnel mines but various kinds of explosive remnants of war. Recently Tajikistan signed Protocol V of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, which includes a commitment to clear the nation’s ERW. The author highlights some of the different sources of ERW in Tajikistan as well as the progress being made by authorities to clear and destroy ERW.

Cross-Cultural Encounters: Gringos And Ladinos In Zapatista Territory, Amy Chin

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This paper is principally an analysis of the international observers’ experiences in Olga Isabel and the implications of their continual presence in the community. I begin by explaining my methodology in carrying out this project. I then give a brief history of the Zapatistas, followed by a summary of the present situation in Olga Isabel and its historical and political context. The body of the paper examines the experiences of international observers and the effects of their presence within communities. I conclude by placing my findings in the context of the larger Zapatista movement for indigenous rights and autonomy.

Mine Action Support Group Update, Stacy Davis

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The following article highlights the recent activities of the Mine Action Support Group from the first quarterly U.N. newsletter of 2006, including updates on the United Nations Mine Action Service, the United Nations Development Programme and UNICEF.

Understanding The Ottawa Convention’S Obligations To Landmine Victims, Kerry Brinkert

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

The Ottawa Convention is unique for a number of reasons, not the least of which being that the Convention has linked obligations concerning the use of a weapon with a requirement that Convention signatories assist a victim wounded by that weapon. When the Convention was adopted in September 1997, this aspect, while lauded by diplomats and activists, was certain to be a challenge to implement. The real work began once the Convention entered into force and states had to act on this responsibility. This article discusses in particular the Convention’s victim assistance obligations.

An Alternative Perspective On Landmines And Vulnerable Populations, Shelby Weitzel

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

By offering a different view on the International Campaign to Ban Landmines’ dominant message concerning mine action, this article presents an argument for possible alternatives. The author brings up such points as a lack of discussion and an acceptance of facts without proper checking of research. In addition, suggestions of constructive use of landmines in the defense of vulnerable populations are made to refute the idea of a necessary worldwide ban.

The Journal Of Erw And Mine Action Issue 10.1 (2006), Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Feature: Explosive Remnants of War | Focus: Africa | Profiles | Making it Personal | Notes from the Field | Research and Development

Assessing Past Strategies For Countering Terrorism, In Lebanon And By Libya, Louis Kriesberg

Peace and Conflict Studies

American strategies to deal with terrorist attacks against Americans in Lebanon in the 1980s and by Libya since the beginning of the 1980s are examined. The consequences of the various strategies employed by U.S. government officials over time and the strategies employed by American non-governmental actors and by international organizations are compared. In addition, alternative strategies that might plausibly have been employed are also discussed. Official actions that relied largely on military methods and were conducted unilaterally tended to be less effective, even counterproductive, compared to actions that were multilateral and relied significantly on diplomatic approaches, often aided by intermediaries.

Volume 13, Number 1 (Spring 2006), Peace And Conflict Studies

Peace and Conflict Studies

No abstract provided.

Strategy For Mine Action - Sri Lanka 2006, Gichd

Global CWD Repository

The strategy of the Government of Sri Lanka is to address the mines problem in the Districts of Jaffna, Mannar, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Trincomalee and Batticaloa and the Northern Border of Ampara District with a view to survey and clear all the mines in the High Priority areas and a major portion of the Medium Priority areas by mid-2007, except in the Jaffna and Trincomalee Districts. This strategy does not include any of the High Security Zones in the Jaffna, Vavuniya, Mannar and Trincomalee Districts. These areas are under the jurisdiction of the Sri Lanka Army, which is in occupation …

The Art Of Building Peace: How The Visual Arts Aid Peace-Building Initiatives In Cyprus, Daniella Gold

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Often times, artists have the unique ability to see the world with fresh eyes. A specific group of Turkish-Cypriot and Greek-Cypriot artists have consistently used the visual arts to undermine people’s normal defenses and to help create an atmosphere of peace between members of the two communities. Interactions furthering this atmosphere not only take place between the artists of the two communities who are actively participating in these activities, but also between those individuals who choose to attend these events. Artists, therefore, can use their work to help facilitate peace between warring people. However, for a variety of reasons, artists …

National Explosive Remnants Of War Response Study, Cambodia, Dave Mccracken, Bruce Powell, Leng Sochea

Global CWD Repository

The purpose of this study was to initiate a strategic dialogue through an assessment of the explosive remnants of war (ERW) issues facing the future of the mine action sector in Cambodia. The report takes stock of the mine action situation, analyses the broad issues of ERW contamination and determines the needs for an effective long-term National ERW Response thrugh the process of "End State Programming". It is the first step towards comprehending existing explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) operational data and a wealth of un-analysed data on aerial bombardment that have not been fully exploited to define the scope of …

A Regional Approach: Mine And Uxo Risk Reduction In Vietnam, Laos And Cambodia, Andrew Wells-Dang

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Since Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia have similar mine and unexploded ordnance risk problems, a regional approach may contribute to finding solutions for these three. Understanding common features and challenges is a first step toward reducing the number of casualties in the region.

Unsung Hero: Johan Van Der Merwe, Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Personal experiences with landmines and 10 years of working in mine action have shaped Johan van der Merwe’s life and views on what needs to be done to create a safer world.

Unsung Hero: Chris North, Cisr Journal

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

In many of his colleagues’ eyes, Chris North is someone who is determined to fight for mine action and make changes, whether those changes are through managing projects or expressive poetry. His unwavering dedication to mine action makes North a hero in his field.

Destroying The Mother Of All Arsenals: Captured Enemy Ammunition Operations In Iraq, George Zahaczewsky

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

Although the much-publicized weapons of mass destruction have not been found in Iraq, less has been said about what munitions were found there, the hazards they present or the efforts of Coalition Forces to remove the stockpiles. This article gives a first-hand view of the perils in Iraq.

Laos, Country Profile

The Journal of Conventional Weapons Destruction

No abstract provided.

Women And War, Linda A. Malone

William & Mary Journal of Race, Gender, and Social Justice

No abstract provided.

Polemics In The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Jerome Slater

Human Rights & Human Welfare

A review of:

The Case for Israel by Alan Dershowitz. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, 2003. 264pp.

and

Beyond Chutzpah: On the Misuse of Anti-Semitism and the Abuse of History by Norman G. Finkelstein. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2005. 332pp.

Examining The Declining Utility Of Military Force, Ali Wyne

Human Rights & Human Welfare

A review of:

The New American Militarism: How Americans Are Seduced by War by Andrew J. Bacevich. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005. 270pp.

Human Rights In El Salvador, Tait Robinson

Human Rights & Human Welfare

Between 1979 and 1991 El Salvador was embroiled in a civil war that claimed over 70,000 lives. Longstanding socio-economic inequality between the rich and poor led to government-backed human rights abuses dispensed by the military. These ranged from denials of freedom and civil liberties to village massacres.

Shooters To The Left Of Us, Shooters To The Right: First Person Arcade Shooter Video Games, The Violence Debate, And The Legacy Of Militarism, Karen J. Hall

Reconstruction: Studies in Contemporary Culture

Adult concerns about video games erupted in the 1990s when parents and politicians came forward with claims that Doom, Mortal Kombat, Killer Instinct and games like them were partially responsible for the rash of school shootings in predominantly white, middle class communities. The author of this chapter argues that arcade games serve the national interest by entertaining consumer-citizens and creating a consumer-based demand for military technology. However, when adolescent shooters disrupt the status quo, it is the games rather than militarist social and economic structures that are criticized by the news media, politicians, and parents. The author of …

Genocide: What Do We Want It To Be?, Alan A. Ryan Jr.

New England Journal of Public Policy

The definition of genocide in the Genocide Convention has been universally accepted, in the statutes of the ad hoc international tribunals and the International Criminal Court, but it conceals a host of ambiguities. Sociologists, political scientists, and others have not devised any legally adequate substitute. This article proposes a non-linear definition of genocide, that is, a definition that takes into account the presence or absence of several factors, rather than one that attempts to generalize the crime of genocide. It disregards the motives or objectives of the perpetrator, sheds the secondary phenomena that often accompany genocide (such as dehumanization of …

From Terrorism To Nonviolence And The Islamic Peace Paradigm: Jihad, Just War, Peace And Islamic Nonviolence, Sezai Ozcelik

Peace and Conflict Studies

Islamic contributions in the areas of peace, war, and nonviolence require to be revisited in post-September 11 world. With reinterpretation and redefinition of Islamic concepts of jihad (sacred struggle), sabr (patience), adl (justice), umma (community), sulha (reconciliation), hijra (exodus), diversity, and tolerance, this study attempts to contribute the Islamic understanding of war, peace, and nonviolence. Also, the story of Cain and Abel in the Qur’an shows an example for the nonviolent action together with other contemporary Islamic nonviolence actions such as Intıfıada, Kosovo, and Abdul Ghaffir Khan in Afghanistan. This study will examine the just war, qital (fighting), jihad (sacred …

The Challenge Of Terror: A Traveling Essay, John Paul Lederach

Peace and Conflict Studies

So here I am, a week late arriving home, stuck between Colombia, Guatemala and Harrisonburg when our world changed. The images flash even in my sleep. The heart of America ripped. Though natural, the cry for revenge and the call for the unleashing of the first war of this century, prolonged or not, seems more connected to social and psychological processes of finding a way to release deep emotional anguish, a sense of powerlessness, and our collective loss than it does as a plan of action seeking to redress the injustice, promote change and prevent it from ever happening again. …

Mine Action: Lessons And Challenges, Gichd

Global CWD Repository

Mine Action: Lessons and Challenges represents the views of selected experts as to what some of the key lessons have been, and what challenges remain for the future.

Following an Executive Summary of its main conclusions and findings, this work is laid out in two parts. Part I looks at the core activities — the “pillars” — of mine action: advocacy, victim assistance, mine risk education, demining (survey, marking and clearance of mines and unexploded ordnance) and stockpile destruction. Part II looks at key management issues, specifically, programme coordination and management, information management and capacity development. This work concludes with …

An Introductory Essay: Are We In “The Age Of Resistance” In A Post-9/11 World?, J. P. Linstroth

Peace and Conflict Studies

This introductory article to the Special Issue of Peace and Conflict Studies asks, “are we in the ‘Age of Resistance’ in a post-9/11 world?” It is argued the concept of “resistance” may be framed in a broad theoretical context to include multiple and contested meanings by social and political actors as well as by scholars and through intellectual debate. The article questions recent ideas prevalent in fauxpolitical science studies which promote a clash of civilizations, essentialize histories, support anachronistic Orientalist-approaches, and bolster foreign policy initiatives by removing the human element. The contention is for researchers and theorists to concentrate on …

Mine Detection Dogs: Operations

Global CWD Repository

The study is laid out as four case studies of five organisations (two organisations in Croatia are described in one case study). A commentary is included in each case study as a discussion, and summarising comments are made in the final chapter.

Readers will recognise that each case study is essentially a snapshot of the operational structure of the organisation at the time that the study was done. MDD technology is still in development and all MDD systems are constantly being reviewed and updated. Several of the programmes studied here have undergone significant restructuring since the study was done. Thus …

Mine Detections Dogs: Operations - Case Studies Of Operational Systems, Gichd

Global CWD Repository

The study is laid out as four case studies of five organisations (two organisations in Croatia are described in one case study). A commentary is included in each case study as a discussion, and summarising comments are made in the final chapter. Readers will recognise that each case study is essentially a snapshot of the operational structure of the organisation at the time that the study was done. Each study took about a month to complete (including report writing) and seasonal and other limitations meant that it took several years to complete the series of studies. In each case, the …