Before any strike is taken, there must be near-certainty that no civilians will be killed or injured — the highest standard we can set.
—President Barack Obama, May 23, 2013
Somehow we’re still not winning hearts and minds with our drone attacks. Here’s the story of last month’s attack on a Yemini wedding party. According to the article we didn’t even apologize, although the U.S. is investigating the incident. Is it any wonder why some people don’t like us? And that some people vow revenge? Even though our drones are killing Al Qaeda members, including leaders, are we losing more than we are gaining?
January 21, 2014
If the missiles fired by the drones and the drones themselves do not need replenishment, the armament industry and its supporters in the establishment will be out of business. So, who cares if the American people are liked or disliked?
I’m afraid you’re a dreamer if you think the armament industry is in trouble. The drone makers are starting to face foreign competition, though. It was bound to happen sooner or later.
The drone program, as it is currently implemented, does not appear to be operating “as advertised.” People in many of these areas, from the Arabian Peninsula east over into Pakistan and Afghanistan and beyond have long traditions of fighting against those who have wronged them — and not forgetting. While America’s actions now are creating thousands of new individual enemies, their feelings toward us will not go away when the next administration rolls into town and alters our policies in that region. Tribal hatred persists long after the original offenses, for decades, even generations.
You’re right about grudges lasting a long time — I would say hundreds/thousands of years. But our politicians don’t worry about that. As one Keynesian in FDR’s administration said, “Who cares about the long run. In the long run we’ll all be dead.”
wow.
both good points from rummy and mike. totally agree with each.
and as to carrying a grudge and fighting… how about THOUSANDS of years!!!
sad.
ridiculous.
and
long term inevitable.
Unfortunately human nature is what it is. The enmity between the Shiites and Sunni goes back over 1300 years, and the Jews who say all of their ancient homeland should be part of modern day Israel are going back a lot further than that.
He was joking? It is a near certainty that non-combatants will be killed.
It sounded good. That’s all that counts, I suppose.