Good article, but it doesn't mention the fact that the main reason the US has refused to sign the treaty is because we couldn't get an exemption for laying mines along the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea. That's been the major sticking point, because mines are such an integral part of the defense of the south. Mines are often used irresponsibly, but they can be put to good use by responsible governments. In Korea, we use mines in areas that are well-marked and off-limits to civilians. This enables us to defend the freedom of South Korea with a smaller military force, while ensuring that there are no civilian causalities. That's why I personally oppose any attempt to get the US to sign onto the treaty, so long as there is no exemption for the responsible use of mines in long-term standoffs like in Korea.