Anastasiya Stolyarova for The New York Times

Opinion paper

Drone Debate

by ANASTASIYA STOLYAROVA

The New York Times

Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), are the newest technology in military warfare. Drones are typically armed stealth aircrafts with no onboard human pilot. These aircrafts are able to carry out attacks on selected targets, and are seen as unique tools when it comes to combating terrorist activities. However, the use of drone technology is neither logical nor ethical.

The use of drones is not improving national security but is instead causing competition and fear between nations.  The United States first started implementing drone surveillance since the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and has now become the global leader in drone attacks. Other countries, such as China and North Korea, have followed in America’s track in order to maintain competition in military warfare. These nations are simply following a precedent set up by the United States. China and North Korea believe they are entitled to similar military technology since they are also prominent countries with security interests. In addition, drones are causing fear and tension within Arab countries. Israel has developed UAVs and surrounding Arab countries sense a threat to their national security.

When drones carry out targeted killings, they also kill innocent civilians. Out of the 3000 casualties caused by drone warfare, about 300 were innocent civilians. Is it really worth using the newest technology if 10% of victims have no terrorist affiliations? The terrorist behind the Times Square bomb plot, Faisal Shahzad, gave justification to his plan: “Well the drone hits in Afghanistan & Iraq, they don’t see children, they don’t see anybody. They kill women, children, they kill everybody…” If the United States is so worried about terrorist attacks killing citizens, why do they implement drone attacks that kill the innocent of other nations?

Not only do drones kill innocent individuals, they also violate international law. In 2011, the U.S. targeted and killed a U.S. citizen who was affiliated in terrorist activity. This individual was not given a formal trial or any sort of legal procedure. The U.S. also implemented drone bombings in Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Algeria, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen, without any formal declaration of war nor were accountability steps taken. If these thoughtless attacks continue, it can possibly influence other nations to ignore UN International laws which will cause global chaos.  

References

United Nations Legal Background Guide