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[[Image:Clusterbombs.jpg |thumb|150px|Cluster Bombs being moved aboard the [[United States]] aircraft carrier [[USS Independence]].]]
[[Image:Clusterbombs.jpg |thumb|150px|Cluster Bombs being moved aboard the [[United States]] aircraft carrier [[USS Independence]].]]
'''Cluster Bombs''' are a type of military weapon primarily used because of their effectiveness against tanks and large areas. All cluster weapons consist of two primary elements: a container or dispenser; and sub munitions, often called bomblets. These bombs can be dropped from medium to high altitude.<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/in_depth/world/2001/cluster_bomb/</ref> Although cluster bombs can cover large areas they do not have the procession guidance that other bombs have, this is why cluster bombs are known as "dumb bombs". Although cluster bombs have some drawbacks, military officials state that they are necessary and needed. <ref>http://www.commondreams.org/headlines/090800-02.htm</ref>.
'''Cluster Bombs''' are a type of military weapon primarily used because of their effectiveness against tanks and large areas. All cluster weapons consist of two primary elements: a container or dispenser; and sub munitions, often called bomblets. These bombs can be dropped from medium to high altitude.<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/in_depth/world/2001/cluster_bomb/</ref> Although cluster bombs can cover large areas they do not have the procession guidance that other bombs have, this is why cluster bombs are known as "dumb bombs". Although cluster bombs have some drawbacks, military officials state that they are necessary and needed. <ref>http://www.commondreams.org/headlines/090800-02.htm</ref>.
Amid criticism the United States continued work on improving the cluster munitions to reduce the dud rate. The United States military began to improve its weapons for its new operation in Iraq. The United States used nearly 10,800 cluster weapons; their British allies used almost 2,200.<ref>http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2003-12-10-cluster-bomb-cover_x.htm </ref> This time the improvements showed, as the new bombs only had a one percent dud rate. The Department of Defense described cluster bombs a vital and versatile, but admitted that they are aware of there flaws. In 2007 the Pentagon adopted the Cohan policy, which requires the military to purchase only cluster munitions that have a one percent dud rate or less.<ref>http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2007/01/07/ING2INDCJ91.DTL</ref>
Amid criticism the United States continued work on improving the cluster munitions to reduce the dud rate. The United States military began to improve its weapons for its new operation in Iraq. The United States used nearly 10,800 cluster weapons; their British allies used almost 2,200.<ref>http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2003-12-10-cluster-bomb-cover_x.htm </ref> This time the improvements showed, as the new bombs only had a one percent dud rate. The Department of Defense described cluster bombs a vital and versatile, but admitted that they are aware of there flaws. In 2007 the Pentagon adopted the Cohan policy, which requires the military to purchase only cluster munitions that have a one percent dud rate or less.<ref>http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2007/01/07/ING2INDCJ91.DTL</ref>
===Damage===
One of the main arguments for the use of cluster bombs is that they are the best alternative, causing the least unnecessary damage. The Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs found that cluster bombs caused less damage then a regular (250-1,000 kg) bomb.<ref> http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/About+the+Ministry/Behind+the+Headlines/Legal+and+operational+aspects+of+the+use+of+cluster+bombs+5-Sep-2006.htm </ref> The United States Airforce Review wrote that,"The use of cluster munitions may actually reduce collateral damage. As pointed out at the Lugano Conference, without cluster bombs, air forces must use more high explosive ordnance to accomplish the military goal, creating the increased possibility of a weapon missing its target and causing unintended collateral damage." <ref> http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m6007/is_2001_Spring/ai_92044664/pg_11</ref> Cluster bombs are continuously being improved as shown by its decrease in dud rate from the Gulf War(5%) to the current operation in Iraq(1%).
===Effectiveness===
Military stratigist state that cluster bombs are a "necessity" for military operation.<ref> http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m6007/is_2001_Spring/ai_92044664/pg_11</ref> Militaries value cluster bombs because a single volley can impede advancing troops and destroy airfields and surface-to-air missile sites.<ref> http://www.envirosagainstwar.org/know/read.php?itemid=5076</ref> According to UK Secretary of State for Defense Mr Geoffrey Hoon," [Cluster Bombs] These are extremely effective weapons. They are the most effective weapons against armored and certain kinds of soft skinned vehicles…"<ref> http://www.isisuk.demon.co.uk/0811/isis/uk/regpapers/no79_paper.html</ref> United States officials have stated that there is no available alternative that offers the same effectiveness as cluster bombs.<ref> http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2003-12-10-cluster-bomb-cover_x.htm</ref>
==References==
==References==
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