In spite of the worldwide abhorrence and condemnation of the use of land mines, the Bush administration in the United States has refused to sign the International Anti Land-Mine Treaty, which has been endorsed by 150 countries including the UK. Some commentators, including the BBC have almost tried to portray this as a victory. The Vietnam war concluded nearly 30 years ago, and in that time an estimated 38,000 people have been killed and over 100,000 injured by land mines and other unexploded devices.

According to the Campaign Group Landmine Action, the US were expected to sign up to the Treaty in 2006, but the Bush Administration would appear to have firmly kicked that into touch.