ByTrump's Drone War: Less Accountable Than Ever
The Trump administration has dramatically expanded the use of drones in warfare, launching more strikes in its first two years than the Obama administration did in its entire eight years.
This escalation has come with a significant decrease in accountability. The Trump administration has made it harder to track the number of drone strikes and civilian casualties, and has refused to release information about the legal basis for the strikes.
As a result, it is now more difficult than ever to assess the effectiveness and legality of the drone war. This lack of accountability raises serious concerns about the potential for civilian casualties and other human rights abuses.
The Expansion of the Drone War
The Obama administration launched 563 drone strikes in Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia during its eight years in office. The Trump administration, on the other hand, has launched at least 1,500 drone strikes in the same countries in just its first two years.
This increase in strikes has been accompanied by a significant increase in civilian casualties. According to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, the Obama administration killed between 424 and 966 civilians in drone strikes in Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia.
The Trump administration, on the other hand, has killed between 488 and 1,071 civilians in drone strikes in the same countries in just its first two years.
The Lack of Accountability
The Trump administration has made it harder to track the number of drone strikes and civilian casualties. The administration has stopped publishing a quarterly report on drone strikes, and has refused to release information about the legal basis for the strikes.
This lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness and legality of the drone war. It also raises serious concerns about the potential for civilian casualties and other human rights abuses.
The Legal Basis for the Drone War
The Trump administration has claimed that the drone war is legal under the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), which was passed by Congress in 2001 in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. However, many legal experts have argued that the AUMF does not authorize the use of drones to kill suspected terrorists.
The AUMF authorizes the use of military force against al-Qaeda and its associated forces. However, the Trump administration has interpreted the AUMF to include any group that poses a threat to the United States, even if that group is not directly affiliated with al-Qaeda.
This broad interpretation of the AUMF has allowed the Trump administration to justify the use of drones against a wide range of groups, including the Taliban, ISIS, and al-Shabab.
The Potential for Civilian Casualties and Human Rights Abuses
The use of drones in warfare has the potential to cause significant civilian casualties and other human rights abuses.
Drones are often used to target suspected terrorists in areas where there are large civilian populations. This can lead to civilian casualties, as well as the destruction of homes and other infrastructure.
In addition, the use of drones can lead to human rights abuses, such as arbitrary detention and torture. The Trump administration has authorized the use of drones to target suspected terrorists even if they are not posing an imminent threat. This has led to the killing of innocent civilians, including women and children.
Conclusion
The Trump administration's drone war is less accountable than ever. The administration has made it harder to track the number of drone strikes and civilian casualties, and has refused to release information about the legal basis for the strikes.
This lack of transparency raises serious concerns about the effectiveness and legality of the drone war. It also raises concerns about the potential for civilian casualties and other human rights abuses.
It is important to remember that the drone war is a complex issue with no easy answers. However, it is essential that the Trump administration be held accountable for its actions. The administration must be transparent about the drone war, and it must ensure that the war is conducted in a way that complies with international law.
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