A drone bombing is essentially an attack by an aircraft that is not flown by a human in the physical sense. It's argued that he CIA controls these unmanned planes that have officially been described as an effort to deal with terrorism in Pakistan although more and more instances are taking place in Yemen. The US rational for these attacks is the "war on terror". Targeted militants have been killed, but the most alarming aspect to these efforts is the amount of innocent lives lost.
Here's a headline that speaks to the issue:
Drone attacks kill 80% innocent people: Malik (Pakistan Observer) Islamabad—Interior Minister Rehman Malik said Wednesday that the majority of those killed in drone attacks were innocent people. According to Malik, only 20 percent of those killed in drone attacks were militants while the rest were innocent people. Speaking to the media outside Parliament, Malik said there were 336 drone attacks conducted in Pakistan in which 2,300 people were killed. He added that 96 cross border attacks were launched from Afghanistan. When asked about an operation in North Waziristan, Malik claimed that no statements were made regarding this matter.
Earlier in Senate, the minister said that the government had not yet decided any operation in North Waziristan. He added that civilian and military leadership would take final decision regarding the operation. He said that head money for Taliban’s spokesperson Ahsanullah Ahsan has been set. He added that his photos would be released soon. Malik said that government would continue fighting against terrorists. The government would continue fighting against terrorists, he added. Names of those supporting Taliban should also come on front.Terming Taliban “Zaliman”, he said that government could talk with them if Zaliman surrender their weapons. —Online
Recently, hundreds marched in opposition to the attacks:
http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/06/world/asia/drone-protest-march/index.html
How can sustainability, peace and justice ever be reached when such a disregard for the life and environment of other people half-way around the world are treated in such a manner?
A few more resources to get educated:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/sep/25/drone-attacks-pakistan-counterproductive-report
http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/05/world/asia/pakistan-us-drone-protest/index.html
http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfm?method=home.regcon&contentid=20121018140026
http://observers.france24.com/content/20121009-pakistani-protesters-drone-attacks-inciting-more-
hatred-peace-march-imran-khan-south-waziristan-taliban-terror
http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2012/10/07/pakistan-drones-protest.html
http://www.cjr.org/feature/covering_obamas_secret_war.php?page=all
Today's headline from Democracy Now! (10/19/12)
ReplyDeleteReport: CIA Seeks Massive Expansion of Drone Arsenal
The CIA is reportedly urging the White House to back a major expansion of armed drones used for attacks overseas. The Washington Post reports the CIA has asked for permission to expand its fleet by as many as 10 drones on top of the roughly 35 in its possession. The move would continue the agency’s shift from "intelligence" activities to operating as a full-on paramilitary wing of the U.S. government. If approved, the proposal would expand the CIA’s capability to wage drone attacks in Pakistan and Yemen, while also allowing it to shift focus to North Africa and other areas. Despite concerns of the CIA’s involvement in military operations, the Pentagon reportedly has yet to raise any formal objections.