Re:Use of Drones for Killings Risks a War Without End
by dragonwriter on Thursday June 26, 2014 @10:57AM
(#7949940)
> There is plenty of unique things about this new type of long-term warfare:
No, there aren't.
> a) every operation is conducted in total secrecy
Within the drone program, which is largely a secrete component of an overt global military anti-"terrorism" campaign, sure. But having a major secret component of an overt effort isn't new or unique since the inception of the drone program, its been a regular part of the post-WWII permanent war.
> b) most of it is executed remotely, or occasionally via Special Forces commandos on the ground when drones can't get the job done
Yes, the technology for precisely targetted remote attacks is new, though using whatever remote attack capability was available isn't. So, yes, technology advances.
Obviously, use of Special Forces is not new.
> c) they are (apparently) based off of a 'kill-list', which is essentially an assassination list
Assassination as a tool of state policy by the US in the covert portion of its permanent wars isn't a new product of drones, either.
No, there aren't.
> a) every operation is conducted in total secrecy
Within the drone program, which is largely a secrete component of an overt global military anti-"terrorism" campaign, sure. But having a major secret component of an overt effort isn't new or unique since the inception of the drone program, its been a regular part of the post-WWII permanent war.
> b) most of it is executed remotely, or occasionally via Special Forces commandos on the ground when drones can't get the job done
Yes, the technology for precisely targetted remote attacks is new, though using whatever remote attack capability was available isn't. So, yes, technology advances.
Obviously, use of Special Forces is not new.
> c) they are (apparently) based off of a 'kill-list', which is essentially an assassination list
Assassination as a tool of state policy by the US in the covert portion of its permanent wars isn't a new product of drones, either.