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Naive question about the US and Biological Weapons Convention and Protocol

Discussion in 'BBS Hangout' started by SmeggySmeg, Feb 25, 2003.

  1. SmeggySmeg

    SmeggySmeg Member

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    There was a story here on Australian radio station about America and the fact they are not actually signed up to the Convention/protocol on Biological Weapons, seems rather strange and ironic considering the current situation with Iraq. The story also talked about a group of Canadians (policiticans i think) you have come down to DC with a push to get the US destroy any biological weapons they have.

    This story was a few days ago, so i am a bit unclear, anyone else have any opinions and references to clear things up for me.

    All i could find was this from a few years back

    Press Release: July 26, 2001

    Contact: John Isaacs - 202.543.4100 x131 Luke Warren - 202.546.0795 x127

    In what has become nearly weekly headlines, the Bush Administration has once again thumbed it's nose at an international effort aimed at improving the lives of people around the world and global security. This time, President Bush has decided to withdraw from the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) Protocol negotiations. These negotiations are aimed at creating an inspection regime for the 24-year old BWC.

    "Once more, the United States insists on being the lone ranger, refusing to cooperate with the rest of the world," stated John Isaacs, president of Council for a Livable World, a pro-arms control organization located in Washington, D.C.

    The rationale for pulling out of these protocol discussions is that the inspection regime will not be thorough enough to detect illegal biological weapons production, but will be massive enough to threaten the proprietary business information of U.S. companies whose labs are inspected.

    "The U.S. is trying to have it both ways," argued Isaacs. "We weakened the protocol during negotiations due to concerns about the U.S. biotechnology industry, and then complain the agreement is too anemic."

    The BWC decision is another in a long line of international agreements that the Bush Administration has threatened to or actually pulled out of. The rest of the world is increasingly worried that the United States is opting for unilateralism, rather than working cooperatively with other nations. With global problems though, like biological and nuclear weapons proliferation or global warming, international efforts are more effective than uncoordinated, piecemeal efforts by individual nations.

    "If the President wants to improve the protocol, he should have his negotiators propose an aggressive initiative to change it, rather than sitting on the sidelines and whining," added Luke Warren, the Council's media director. "The U.S. talks about alternatives, but fails to propose them on a timely basis."

    "The Administration's attitude is either the U.S. gets its way, or it will just pick up its marbles and go home. This is not a productive way to pursue foreign relations and diplomacy," concluded Warren.
     
  2. Achebe

    Achebe Member

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    Smeggy, you have to realize druggie/AWOL/drunk drivers like Bush that are now parents operate under the rule of thumb "do what I say, not what I do".
     
  3. B-Bob

    B-Bob "94-year-old self-described dreamer"
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    SmeggySmeg,

    What is your problem? Just fall in line and quit asking questions, and everything will be okay. By the way, we are sending a minor general to rule your "country" starting June 26. You people won't notice much difference, and everything will run more smoothly. Best wishes,

    'Merica

    PS -- since you are visiting the US of A, if you will agree to a simple two-month mental training program (your signature is only required in 328 places), you could take on a roll in the cabinet of the new Australian government. Consider it carefully; this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
     
  4. SmeggySmeg

    SmeggySmeg Member

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    thanks B-Bob, suppose if i drop my strides and bend over for Dubya i could be the new australian prime minister ;)
     
  5. PhiSlammaJamma

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    note to self, subliminal messages to Austrailia no longer working. Fix by Saturday.
     
  6. Invisible Fan

    Invisible Fan Member

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    I bet they pulled out because other nations like Russia were already furthering their bioweapons programs even though they signed that treaty. And then you have that whole "rogue states" paranoia in vogue.

    It's a rather stupid thing to do politically. Our biotech industry is among the best in the world. We could probably make something nasty in less than a year should it come to that....
     
  7. B-Bob

    B-Bob "94-year-old self-described dreamer"
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    Notice that I did type (mistype) "roll" instead of "role." Freudian slip?
     
  8. Rockets2K

    Rockets2K Clutch Crew

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    Sorry Smeg, Jenna gets that post after graduation.
    Maybe you could get a position directly under her though. :D
     

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