In Cambodia, for example, land mine deaths have plunged by 90 percent, while in Rwanda casualties fell from 233 in 1994 to nine in 1999. The world's many conflicts promise to keep the demining program in demand. But what makes the task even more daunting is that mines today are planted indiscriminately. They're placed in and around villages, agricultural areas and places where civilians congregate to do business, thereby stifling a region's recovery and continuing to kill and maim its residents long after a conflict ends. Now they're placed by rebel groups and warlords to terrorize and kill populations.
Mines are also popular because they're cheap.
But clearly the best way of making the world safer is to dispel mistrust and eliminate fear, tension and hostility among nations or groups of people. The bureau plays a big role here. The bureau calls the dialogue confidence and security-building measures. With peace and stability there's economic development. Mr. Snidle's office offers ideas that help nations or regions coexist.