March 15, 2013

We're Blowing the War in Waziristan

Ahmed & Akins, Foreign Policy

AP Photo

Drone attacks have become America's weapon of choice for pursuing its influence in the region. With the looming withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan and the architect of Obama's drone strategy, John Brennan, now at the CIA's helm, it is clear that the drones over Waziristan are there to stay. While some have lauded the precision and effectiveness of unmanned aerial vehicles, many stories from Waziristan recount the deaths of innocent women and children in the strikes.

With U.S. satellites and drones firmly focused on this tribal area, it seems as if the United States knows everything yet understands nothing about Waziristan.

Read Full Article ››

TAGGED: Drones, Waziristan, Pakistan

RECOMMENDED ARTICLES

March 8, 2013
The Thistle and the Drone
Akbar Ahmed, Brookings Institution
“We will not tolerate more genocide of innocent tribesmen.”This was the message of hundreds of tribesmen from Waziristan demonstrating in front of the Governor’s House in Peshawar, Pakistan on March 5, 2013.... more ››
The fact that his paranoid fantasies gained some traction is testimony to the administration’s real failures in managing its counterterrorism campaigns. Mr. Obama has chosen to carry out hundreds of drone strikes against... more ››
March 15, 2013
Orgy of Death Surrounds Pakistan Ahead of Vote
Ahmed Rashid, BBC
With the number of targeted assassinations of leading politicians expected to increase by the time of the elections in the second week of May, there are no signs that the government or the army are prepared for a deterioration of... more ››