Drones

Drones are pilot less radio controlled air crafts that are operated on land. In the last decade there has been a major increase in the use of drones. The USA, UK and Israel are known to have used drones, but international law has not caught up to this technology. This has sadly allowed Obama along with NSA and the CIA to have asserted a right to authorized assassination of individuals perceived to be a threat to the US. All human beings are equal in dignity and rights. But the deaths and injury sustained from drone warfare are continually unreported and the people targeted remain anonymous to the eyes of the western world. The government of America uses such techniques as the double tap which is when you target people in the aftermath of the first attack and signature strikes which is targeting any male who looks suspicious. Both of these techniques are considered war crimes according to international humanitarian laws. We as beings communicate everyday; we speak, make eye contact and use our body language to portray our words and feelings. But drones are like the dark side of the moon unseen and unheard. This means the people operating it are also unseen and unheard, there is no communication. A public opinion poll recorded by Pew research centre said that 62% of Americans approved of the drone warfare conducted in Pakistan while a meager amount of 28% said that they disapprove. America was the only country with a higher ratio of approval, what does this research demonstrate? That the American public lack the understanding and communication with countries being assaulted with these drones. Clearly there is a lack of empathy and comprehension. When the Boston bombing took place this year, there was absolute outrage. And when three people died we as global citizens we stood up and said this is not acceptable. But that same day in Pakistan five people were killed by the US government. It is clear that the media reports only what they see fit and people only listen to the most convenient truth. But we should be responsible for what occurs in the countries around us and how other people are treated whether we can see it or not. Not one of the 7 billion inhabitants of this earth reacted as ‘global citizens’ like they did for the Boston bombings or for 9/11, it is unfair. The fact that each countries needs the other to survive should be cause enough for the people of this earth to work together to create a safe environment where the government does not control the people but the people control themselves. Countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan just highlight the need for a global policy that does not allow countries to keep weaponry and plans secret, this included the use of drones to secretly wage war on people. Lisa.