Drones Term Paper

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UVAs) commonly referred to as drones, have been the prime weapon of choice in the U.S. efforts to counteract terrorism. However, with supporters of drone strikes, there are also critics who offer alternatives such as raids, who do not take into account the risk and cost of doing so. Drones are able to carry out the same effects as other military platforms under law, but it is unique in that it is independent from human control, adept to hovering midair for hours while offering top quality surveillance and precise airpower (Brunstetter & Braun). These distinct features are what allow the U.S. an overpowering advantage in targeting terrorists and anti-American militant groups across the borders while minimizing the possibility of civilian casualties and sending forces
to foreign territory. Drones were first introduced as a tool for surveillance in the Bosnia and Kosovo campaigns in the 1990s (Brunstetter & Braun). The U.S. government initially failed to use the drone for its full potential in target killing and it was not until the events of September 11, 2001 that they were armed with laser-guided missiles. As retribution, President George W. Bush authorized the Memorandum of Notification (MON) that allowed the director of central intelligence the power to detain or kill anyone who poses a threat to national security. The CIA was previously granted permission to do so only to specific targets, but the MON provided them full, unprecedented discretion in capturing any and all suspected terrorists (CIA 11). Although eliminating the leaders of terrorist groups will not provide a permanent solution to terrorism, it becomes easier to reach the root of the issue because of it. Without drones, the U.S. will be unnecessarily risking the lives of Special Forces for a job that can be done from above ground with the many advantages that a drone possesses. The Obama administration has relied heavily on drones in the fight to counteract terrorism simply because it is effective. According to data compiled by the New America Foundation, since Obama has been in the White House, U.S. drones have killed an estimated 3,300 al Qaeda, Taliban, and other jihadist operatives in Pakistan and Yemen (Byman). This includes over fifty of the top ranking senior leaders of al Qaeda and the Taliban. By eliminating the top influencers to followers, the organization must appoint a new leader. In 2010, Osama Bin Laden himself warns his chief that when experienced leaders are abolished, the result is “the rise of lower leaders who are not as experienced as the former leaders” and are susceptible to committing careless mistakes and errors (Byman). Drone strikes are used in targeted killings against insurgents while effectively avoiding civilian casualties.
This form of selective violence has been useful in deteriorating terrorist organization’s power to plan and engage in action, including politically and violently (Walsh 6). The effects of the drone can be manipulated directly and indirectly. The direct consequence of this strategy forces militants to abandon routine, safe houses, as well as equipment and makes it increasingly challenging to plan and engage in a violent attack. Drone strikes target and kill leaders as well as lower ranked members of organizations. It undermines the operation that is kept afloat by those who possess special skills such as: passport forgers, bomb makers, recruiters, and fundraisers (Byman). The devastation of their secrecy because of drone surveillance hinders their form of communication and forces militants to exercise a less efficient and reliable way to contact one another. In the midst of all these obstacles, it can create an atmosphere of mistrust among the organization as they become increasingly paranoid and wary of potential followers providing intelligence to the Unites
States. Exploiting the perils of drones decreases the number of troops required on ground to fight terrorist organizations. Drones armed with missiles are similar to piloted armed aircrafts in that it can be used to gather information and strike capacity, but it eliminates the need to have a human directly controlling its course of action and in the line of danger (Hazelton 30).