The United States has developed an extensive drone infrastructure focused primarily on counterterrorism, opening a new era of armed conflict. The use of armed unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, in military operations has been under global scrutiny ever since the United States sanctioned CIA operations to utilize armed UAVs for targeted killings. The idea of drone warfare was first put in action in late 2001, early 2002, after the 9/11 attacks. Since that time, the United States has been carrying out CIA-directed drone strikes as a form of counterterrorism. However, under the Obama Administration drone warfare has become the centerpiece of the U.S. counterterrorism strategy, operating in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, Libya, and Yemen. …show more content…
The opposition claim that “drone strikes breed more terrorist than they eliminate” (Kaag 45). It is hard to distinguish whether tactical success is translatable to strategic effectiveness, it doesn't hinder a group’s ability to replace dead leaders wth new ones; it also hasn't hindered propaganda or recruitment.
A related pain is that if the growing public opposition in places such as Yemen and Pakistan is any indication, the strikes have contributed to “visceral opposition.” The target of this opposition are the strikes themselves, triggering backlash among the populace; […] making it easier to recruit new terrorist for the one that was killed. Kaag 47 The counter argument to this notion is not as compelling as the argument that supports this claim. According to the American Security Project, anti-american sentiment in drone-struck countries have risen, however it is apparently difficult to single out drone strikes as a unique or even a primary cause of the anti-american sentiment. In Pakistan, people protest certain U.S. Policies, but only particular drone strikes; rather than the entirety of them. “[…] in general urban Pakistanis have a hatred of UAVs,while Pakistanis in tribal regions seem to give limited support to them, contending they prefer drone strikes”( Kaag 46), in comparison to the alternative such as military campaigns or full scale
The National Security Agency or NSA for short is a United States federal government intelligence organization that is used for global monitoring and collecting data. After the attacks on September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush implemented the NSA’s domestic spying program to conduct a range of surveillance activities inside the United States. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding this program as it allows the NSA to tap into the public’s phone calls, cameras, internet searches, text messages, and many other mediums to seek out individuals that may be potential threats to the security of the general public. Many individuals say that the tactics used by the NSA are unconstitutional as they invade people’s privacy. This is primarily
Controversy has plagued America’s presence in the Middle East and America’s usage of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) contributes vastly to this controversy. Their usefulness and ability to keep allied troops out of harm’s reach is hardly disputed. However, their presence in countries that are not at war with America, such as Pakistan and Yemen, is something contested. People that see the implications of drone use are paying special attention to the civilian casualty count, world perspective, and the legality of drone operations in non-combative states. The use of drone technology in the countries of Yemen and Pakistan are having negative consequences. In a broad spectrum, unconsented drone strikes are illegal according to the laws of armed conflict, unethical, and are imposing a moral obligation upon those who use them. These issues are all of great importance and need to be addressed. Their legality is also something of great importance and begins with abiding to the Laws of Armed Conflict.
Byman’s first argument is that US drone strikes are extremely efficient in their purpose: eliminating high value targets in foreign countries that pose a threat to national security. He cities a study done by the New America Foundation, which found that “U.S. drones have killed an estimated 3,300 al Qaeda, Taliban, and other jihadist operatives in Pakistan and Yemen” (Byman 1). Of these 3,300 militants, over 50 were senior leaders of either Al Qaeda or the Taliban. Additionally, drone strikes indirectly hinder communication between terrorist leaders and their operatives. In an effort to avoid detection, many foreign militants have stopped using cell phones and other electronic forms of communication. Although the elimination of technology makes it harder to find high value targets, it also significantly impacts their ability to communicate, which reduces the amount of organized attacks. Without considering the cost of civilian casualties or other negative impacts associated with the drone strikes, it is clear that UAV drones have been effective in eliminating foreign threats.
Cyber Warfare is definitely the future, like any other advancement in technology; where there is potential to harm and pacify our enemies, we will exploit it. Cyber warfare or cyber weapons are no different from any other advancements. Like the boat, airplane, and nuclear energy before it computers will and have been used as a weapon, a tool from which nations can conduct war against their enemies, joining rank with forms warfare we are already accustomed to. What makes cyber warfare different from these established forms of warfare is its capabilities and clandestinely.
First of all both authors agree that drone strikes cause casualties among civilians. They agree that drones can cause harm among civilians as far as drones hovering above for days or weeks at a time and that; that causes fear, paranoia, and mental health problems for civilians. But where they
It’s important to acknowledge that yes, drone strikes have brought about a completely different type of warfare, one which the original thinkers behind just war theory probably could not fathom. As put by Yemeni activist Farea al-Muslimi, “When there is a normal war, people can hide, or they can stay away from the military – they can make choices and be careful, but when drones come, you just don’t know when you’ll be next. The fear is incredible.” Drone usage comes at a great cost; the psychological effect of constantly being on guard on Yemen’s civilians are perhaps a new aspect of war that should be considered when considering the behaviors considered ‘just’ during
There had been Pros and Cons since President George W. Bush officially declared the "Global war on Terror"(GWOT) on September 20, 2011.
(Custom Reader 104) This topic intrigued me because I haven’t really thought about if the American citizens had to run in fear for their lives, knowing a drone flying around your safe territory could randomly eliminate you at any time. This made me wonder if situations like this created enmity or jealousy towards the safeguarded citizens belonging to the aggressor. The article highlights O’Connell’s dismay that the misuse and misplacement of drones within ethical bounds has fanned fire into the flames, only making those opposed to the United States angrier. (106) While O’Connell’s argument is definitely sincere in caring for the well-being of other beings, I believe that there can definitely situation in which another hostile would resort to hiding within the safe zones, which would endanger those who are immediately surrounding him and those who he may be plotting against. While this does not intrinsically warrant deployment of drones to search for and eliminate the target, it forces a great burden on to the shoulders of the CTU and the government that I’m sure no person would
The term “cyber terrorism” refers to the use of the Internet as a medium in which an attack can be launched such as hacking into electrical grids, security systems, and vital information networks. Over the past four decades, cyber terrorists have been using the Internet as an advanced communication tool in which to quickly spread and organize their members and resources. For instance, by using the instantaneous spread of information provided by the Internet, several terrorist’s groups have been able to quickly share information, coordinate attacks, spread propaganda, raise funds, and find new recruits for their cause. Instantaneous and unpredictable, the technological advantages these terrorists have obtained from using the Internet includes
Mass bombing carried out by the Allied forces, caused massive destruction and loss of life in enemy territory. Mass bombing was carried out by Britain in Germany and by America in Japan. The mass bombings of Japan and Germany cannot be justified; because the Allies would be liable for committing crimes against humanity; were the law to apply retrospectively, objectives pertaining to economic aims and enemy morale were not achieved, supreme emergency was temporary as opposed to permanent, although, the German threat faced by Allies justified mass bombing, however, the Theory of War, under the principle Jus in Bello, repudiated this justification.
This assertion from a primary source indicates that American forces intervened in an attempt to quell terrorist movement and ultimately reduce the number of potential casualties. Consequentially, the inferred notion that terrorist groups are purely interested in seeking unwarranted revenge against western civilisation, an idea that US forces feel the need to suppress, becomes evident. Additionally, this statement is representative of the pro-war American government that unleashed themselves upon Iraq in 2001. It gives the perspective of the US regime and their belief that the Iraqi war was justified, in that it began in self-defence and for the wellbeing of America and Iraq alike. This statement directly opposes the view that their attack
One of the latest and most controversial topics that has risen over the past five to ten years is whether or not drones should be used as a means of war, surveillance, and delivery systems. Common misconceptions usually lead to people’s opposition to the use of drones; which is the reason it is important for people to know the facts about how and why they are used. Wartime capabilities will provide for less casualties and more effective strikes. New delivery and surveillance systems in Africa, the United Air Emirates and the United States will cut costs and increase efficiency across the board. Rules and regulations on drones may be difficult to enforce, but will not be impossible to achieve. The use of drones as weapons of war and delivery and surveillance systems should not be dismissed because many people do not realize the real capabilities of drones and how they can be used to better the world through efficient air strikes, faster delivery times, and useful surveillance.
...only imagine how hazardous this world we live in become. Amongst countries this can become an international competition to make drones to be used as a factor. When other nations see this particular country is using some type of technology to improve their military system then they would want part of it as well. The drone practice can cause to escalate if other countries adopt to this new technology for their own reason of protection. There will be no turning back because the government of that country would take advantage of these drones to use it towards the citizens instead of using for “terrorist”. The use of these drones is definitely immoral and unethical but some may argue that the of drones as protection against “terrorist” even though as we can see it kills innocent people, creates more terrorists, causes psychological disorders, and violates privacy. (Cole)
Every day we are surrounded by stories of war. In fact, we have become so accustomed to it, that we are now entertained by it. Video games, movies, and books filled with heroes who once dominated the battlefields. However it is constantly stated, “no good comes from war.” Even famous songs state “war... what is it good for… absolutely nothing.” But what if war was actually necessary? Throughout history, we see examples of the good things wars have brought. War has freed slaves, modernized medicine, brought down evil empires, and even brought countries together
Living in the digital age where we enjoy the various fruits of latest technological tools and advancements, then at the same time we cannot escape from their hidden or apparent harms. Also, it is a fact that some gadgets supported by these technological advancements are much capable to bring destruction and disaster then construction and convenience. The same goes for the Drone Technology which since past 200 years is being used to create turbulence at the global level. It has proved to be a powerful investigator and bomber at the same time. Drones are specifically associated with military actions and the countries having used them for surveillance purposes include UK, USA, Italy, Japan, Austria, Australia etc. The list of victim counties or nations is much bigger in contrast. Some prominent victims of Drone Air Strikes include Congo, Venice, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. However, it is also an undeniable fact that the massive production and usage of Drones got multiplied in the 21st century.