Drones have been in existence for quite some time, especially in war zones. Having been introduced by the al-Qaeda group, drones have been used to kill multitudes of people remotely. Over 10,000 civilians have been killed as a result of this formula of attack (Editorial Board 1). Drone warfare has been a favorite technology among the al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups, unlike in the U.S. However, there is a likelihood of drones becoming the preferred method of attack if measures against it are not put into action.
The U.S. has so far adopted the use of drones for its warfare operations. For example, the CIA and the Pentagon are in possession of drones hence igniting the development of a drone warfare policy. According to the American constitution, the president has the power to authorize drone warfare since he is the commander in chief. However, his authorization can only apply in cases whereby there exists a threat against the United States (Enemark 14). According to the United States’ administration, efforts have been made towards the minimization of civilian casualties (William 65). Additionally, the White paper suggests that, any American citizen who joins the al-Qaeda and is a threat to the nation can be killed, according to the international law.
This article is a pro-drone as it encourages the U.S. to remain ahead of the world in the implementation of drone wars. Evidently, nearly all the nations of the world are implementing the use of drones for war. According to the article, the U.S. should be at the fore front in using drones. This is not only because of their position as a super power but also by the fact that they are a force to reckon with technologically.
Works Cited
Editorial Board. “THE DRONE AGE Our view: Rule of law must catch up with targeted killing.” St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Missouri). 8 Feb. 2013. 17 May. 2017.
Enemark, Christian. Armed Drones and the Ethics of War: Military Virtue in a Post-heroic Age. NY: Routledge, 2013.
William, Brian, G. Predators: The CIA’s Drone War on al Qaeda. NY: Potomac Books, 2013.