A Drone War Is Still A War Summary

In the following “A Drone War Is Still a War” by Michael Kinsley speaks of the issue that using military drones causes civilian casualty and an unfair advantage. Kinsley addresses that we have already become used to the use of drones and that we treat the fact like a usual tactic of combat. The advantages of using drones is quite obvious. No American lives are put at risk, and the precision minimizes collateral damage, including the deaths of innocents who happen to be nearby. Kinsley states that the disadvantages are when a military option seems less painful, it is more likely to be resorted to. This makes it very easy for politicians such as President Barack Obama who are in favor of no troops on the ground to make a decision to use military drones.

Kinsley’s opinion on this whole situation is to use the drones in a more astute and efficient way. He wants to avoid more unnecessary loss of life among innocent civilians and prevent further political affairs. “You kill the other guy because he's trying to kill you, and unless you’re raping
Plaw states that one point in favor of drones is that they are weakening Al Qaeda, the taliban and affiliated groups. Also, they have a primary responsibility for protecting their own civilians. “Second, I doubt that ending drone strikes would substantially reduce anti-Americanism in the Islamic world or put a dent in radical recruitment.” However, that might be true, but they are still costing the lives of innocent civilians of those lives being women and children. Plaw says that to avoid these casualties drones can be sent out with a clearer justification of what it is going to do. He also explains that the drones are a lot less harmful to civilians then they are to Al Qaeda affiliates. The civilian casualties can be minimized therefore drones aren’t as dangerous as some