Report Contradicts Obama on Drone Casualties
U.K.-based investigative reporters working with the Sunday Times have determined that "since Obama took office three years ago, between 282 and 535 civilians have been credibly reported as killed [by CIA drone attacks in Pakistan], including more than 60 children."U.K.-based investigative reporters working with the Sunday Times have determined that “since Obama took office three years ago, between 282 and 535 civilians have been credibly reported as killed [by CIA drone attacks in Pakistan], including more than 60 children.”
The findings contradict the president’s own assertion that drone strikes are surgical and minimize casualties. Obama has made the use of drones a signature element of his revised military strategy.
Among other revelations discussed in this Amy Goodman / “Democracy Now!” interview with the story’s lead reporter: The CIA appears to target rescuers who respond to drone attacks to tend to the wounded and dead; CIA attacks in Pakistan that lead to civilian casualties are not subject to the same scrutiny as military attacks in Afghanistan; and David Petraeus’ tenure as CIA director may signal a change in policy.
Dig, Root, Grow
This year, we’re all on shaky ground, and the need for independent journalism has never been greater. A new administration is openly attacking free press — and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Your support is more than a donation. It helps us dig deeper into hidden truths, root out corruption and misinformation, and grow an informed, resilient community.
Independent journalism like Truthdig doesn't just report the news — it helps cultivate a better future.
Your tax-deductible gift powers fearless reporting and uncompromising analysis. Together, we can protect democracy and expose the stories that must be told.
This spring, stand with our journalists.
Dig. Root. Grow. Cultivate a better future.
Donate today.
Middle East
What did we think nearly 50 years of war and neglect was going to do to the country?
Middle East
What some in Joe Biden's administration appear to see as an opportunity to sideline Hezbollah is really a trap destined for failure.
TD Interview
A new book offers a personal and political history of Bush-era America and its imprints on the present.
Film
With unprecedented access to the Taliban, the documentary “Hollywoodgate” makes promises it can’t keep.
Wounds of War
Over the decades, the DoD has been responsible for the deaths of scores of civilians, but compensating those harmed has never been a serious priority.
Opinion
Where’s the headline-making outrage over the never-ending travesty of Gitmo?
You need to be a supporter to comment.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.