It is time for us to re-negotiate with the Americans the rules of engagement regarding the use of drones.
KARACHI: The massive drone attack in North Waziristan on March 17 in which several members of a local jirga were killed, is yet another instance of America washing its hands in the blood of innocent people. It is understood that drone attacks are a very important component of counter-terrorism strategy, but shouldn’t the quality of human intelligence which provides the information for such attacks be improved? If the military has no say in engagement of targets by American drones, then why is it providing the facility for them to take off from our bases? If past history is any indicator, then the repercussions will have to be faced by the Pakistani military and ordinary Pakistanis.
It is time for us to re-negotiate with the Americans the rules of engagement regarding the use of drones. The bottom line should be that they should not be allowed to use Pakistani bases until we know where they are heading and what target they are planning on engaging. We should stop shedding crocodile tears on this issue because it we who allow Americans to fly over our territory and bomb targets.
Lt-col (r) Muhammad Ali Ehsan
Published in The Express Tribune, March 19th, 2011.
