Essay On Drones

Flying Killing Machines or Modern Day Superheroes Deploying drones to combat terrorism may be a small step for the United States but a giant step for terrorist organizations. Although drones are Washington’s “weapon of choice”, the current U.S. drone program has not effectively used drones and has allowed for several short-term and “long-term risks” (Byman 32; Cronin 54). Therefore, in an effort to combat terrorism effectively, the United States’ government must implement stricter regulations on the deployment of drone and a long-term plan involving drone usage. Many people believe that drones are a “necessary instrument” for combating terrorism due to their efficiency (Byman 32). Supporters of military drones argue that drones offer a “low risk way” to target “terrorist safe havens” and minimize the “collateral damage” (Byman 32). Drones strikes have led to the death of thousands of jihadist operatives. Additionally, supporters state that drones are efficient because of their capability to wait for “the ideal moment to strike”; therefore, reducing the likelihood of civilians being “caught in the kill zone” (Byman …show more content…
Drones have accomplished several short-term goals, such as eliminating several jihadist operatives and destroying terrorist hideaways. Drones have also “inflicted real damage” on terrorist organizations like al Qaeda by reducing the amount of operatives they have by “about 75 percent” (Cronin 45). In addition, cities that have been hit by drone strikes have witnessed a decrease in the “overall level of violence” (Cronin 45). However, these accomplishments only give the United States a short-term advantage and will not lead to a significant triumph against terrorism. If the United States’ government would like to take a big step toward winning the battle against terrorism, it should execute a well thought out, long-term plan including the utilization of