The British government of Tony Blair has signed up for the ban, but reserves the right to deploy land mines if it is essential for the security of Britain's armed forces--perfect common sense, I think.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: A Political Minefield

Mr. McNeely says he couldn't provide details and it's unclear if people crossing the border by land would notice the heightened security.

WSJ: Dragnet Quiets Normally Bustling Boston

Given the parlous state of urban China's social-security system, peasants would continue to regard land as a vital safety net, to be relinquished only in extreme circumstances.

ECONOMIST: But only for a select few