The Los Angeles Times (11/2/09) gives readers a mostly upbeat account about the use of unmanned drones in Afghanistan and Pakistan—weapons that have killed hundreds in Pakistan in recent years. But Times reporter Julian Barnes tells us their popularity with U.S. military officials has “changed the nature of the current policy debate in Washington.” The evidence:
The technology allows us to project power without vulnerability,” said a senior Defense official. “You don’t have to deploy as many people. And in the modern age you want as little stuff forward as long as you can achieve the effects as if you had lots of people forward.”
But some officials caution that policymakers should not rely too heavily on the unmanned drones.
“It has made some people feel there can be a pure counter-terrorism mission without any counter-insurgency strategy,” said a government official. “But that isn’t truly viable without taking on a certain amount of risk.”
Huh. So some anonymous government officials really seem to love them, while other anonymous government officials think they should be used in conjunction with other types of warfare. What a debate!
In the same piece, readers are told that in Pakistan the drones are unpopular—”much of the population believes they have killed civilians as well as militants.” In other words, they believe in things that happen to be true.
“The technology allows us to project power without vulnerability” translated as: we can massacre innocent women and children with impunity and, since it’s done by remote control, we don’t have to feel guilty about it.
it would be good if there were a report of the actions of a growing number of concerned citizens who will be protesting and teaching about the horror and death to civilians that these computer game like weapons perpetrate.
Cindy Sheehan, CodePINK, and many others, will fast and be present at Creech AFB to raise public awareness and stand against our military’s use of drpmes.
Drones are the most horrific ‘war toy’ since nuclear weapons. They are unmanned aircraft that soldiers sitting at computer consoles in Creech AFB, Indian Springs, Nevada, operate – ordering drones to kill people 7000 miles away in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq.
Drones are now ‘patrolling’ the waters of Somalia, the US borders of Mexico and Canada – and who knows where else?
Fly, caravan, take the bus – but just BE THERE! There is camping next to Creech for $10/night per camp site; and there’s a hotel right next to Creech for $15/nite for 4 to a room!
Just decide to go or hold events to educate the people in your area along with thousand of others around the country.
There will be a demonstration against the drones, organized by the Syracuse Peace Council November 15, from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. at Hancock Field, Syracuse New York.
Earlier at Artrage Gallery (505 Hawley, Syracuse) there will be soup and brief talks.
Afterwards at the gallery there will be a meeting to discuss anti-drones organizing regionally.
For maps or more information: http://www.peacecouncil.net, 315-472-5478