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Drone strikes

(109 Posts)
grannyactivist Thu 19-Nov-15 01:42:08

'The killing of innocent civilians in drone airstrikes has acted as one of the most “devastating driving forces for terrorism and destabilization around the world”', say American drone operators.

In one major special operations program in northeastern Afghanistan called Operation Haymaker 35 individuals targeted for assassination were actually killed in drone strikes, but 219 other non-targeted individuals were also killed. That's a 'collateral damage' rate of six to one and may include women, children and babies.
theintercept.com/drone-papers/the-assassination-complex/
www.mintpressnews.com/new-york-times-buries-intercept-whistleblowers-shocking-drone-war-disclosures/211023/

Do grans who advocate bombing Syria think the killing of IS forces is worth the price being paid by innocents who also die in drone strikes?

jinglbellsfrocks Wed 25-Nov-15 12:40:25

For God's sake! Stop the pedantry, and use your brains. hmm

Ana Wed 25-Nov-15 12:45:51

Good idea.

soontobe Wed 25-Nov-15 12:47:05

Thanks jingl and nigglynellie.

I am not sure I have changed my views at all from earlier in the year. I have certainly learnt more though.

grabba Thu 26-Nov-15 11:08:24

Maybe we should ponder how this all came about and who is funding who and who is making the money from this conflict. I am listening to David Cameron telling the House that they need to consider a bombing campaign in Syria.
It is worrying how easily the killing of others is bandied about.

petallus Thu 26-Nov-15 14:37:39

Heartfelt agreement with Jingl's last post.

I know what soon means. I have been reading comments by some Gnetters along the lines of ... well it's regrettable but some innocent people dying is going to be inevitable and probably the lesser of two evils ... and thought, mmm, so long as it's not you, your children or grandchildren no doubt.

petallus Thu 26-Nov-15 15:06:04

I should, of course, have said .. I know what Anniebach means.

durhamjen Fri 27-Nov-15 00:45:35

What percentage of collateral killing by drones is acceptable for the greater or bigger good?
Ten, twenty, fifty?
Ninety percent of those killed by drones are not the intended target.

I do not find that at all acceptable.

soontobe Fri 27-Nov-15 07:06:00

War is war durhamjen. Christians pray.
We pray for God's will. Then whatever happens happens.

As regards drones.
I read this.
book.venuereading.com/Search.aspx?nightCount=1&arrivalDate=2015-12-9&roomCount=1&location=&promotion=&people=0
Taking that as 80% accurate, they seem to be better than some other methods?

[I do realise that whatever we say, you will not except war. Even if it is at your doorstep, you will do nothing and allow yourself and family to be killed].