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CIVIC, Amnesty, CCR et al letter to Admin pressing transparency on drone strikes
The PDF of this letter is here.
This NGO letter tracks a Congressional letter to the Administration pressing for greater transparency in the drone strike policy. That letter is here:
Kucinich/Conyers: Ensure Transparency and Accountability In The U.S. Combat Drone Program
http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/node/1219
----
June 5, 2012
The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
As leading organizations working to protect civilians caught in conflict, we write in support of the request [1] by members of Congress for greater transparency regarding remotely piloted aircraft (RPA or drone) operations and, specifically, “signature” strikes.
We echo Congressional requests that information be released to Congress regarding US drone use including: targeting criteria for “signature” strikes; mechanisms used by the CIA and JSOC to ensure that such targeting is within the confines of international law, including which laws are being applied to these cases and definitions of a civilian; the procedure in place for investigations when civilians are known to have suffered losses of life, limb or property as a result of strikes; and mechanisms in place to track, analyze and publicly recognize civilian casualties.
As the members of Congress noted, the negative ramifications of covert drone use by the United States are of great concern. Strikes outside accepted theaters of armed conflict are often the only contact those communities may have with the United States, and are generating fierce anti-American sentiment. This is particularly true if such strikes cause civilian harm and no explanation or recognition of such losses is offered, as is consistently the case. Americans and their elected leaders have a right to know what and how drone actions are being taken in their name, and if drone strikes are consistent with or violate applicable international law.
We believe the use of drones should be subject to the same level of transparency and legal constraints as any other weapon. Therefore, we resoundingly voice our support for the recent request by members of Congress that targeting criteria for “signature” strikes, the mechanisms used to ensure that such strikes are legal, and that follow-up and tracking mechanisms be made available. If the US is to continue as a leader on the international stage, it must take responsibility for its actions abroad and explain them at home.
Sincerely,
Campaign For Innocent Victims In Conflict
Amnesty International
Center for Constitutional Rights
Friends Committee on National Legislation
NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby
Peace Action
Peace Action West
Peace Action New York State
3P Human Security: Partners for Peacebuilding Policy
MADRE
Peace and Justice Resource Center (Tom Hayden)
Fellowship of Reconciliation
Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, U.S. Section
Arab American Institute
Just Foreign Policy
1. "Ensure Transparency and Accountability In The U.S. Combat Drone Program," http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/node/1219
The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
As leading organizations working to protect civilians caught in conflict, we write in support of the request by members of Congress for greater transparency regarding remotely piloted aircraft (RPA or drone) operations and, specifically, “signature” strikes.
We echo Congressional requests that information be released to Congress regarding US drone use including: targeting criteria for “signature” strikes; mechanisms used by the CIA and JSOC to ensure that such targeting is within the confines of international law, including which laws are being applied to these cases and definitions of a civilian; the procedure in place for investigations when civilians are known to have suffered losses of life, limb or property as a result of strikes; and mechanisms in place to track, analyze and publicly recognize civilian casualties.
As members of Congress noted, the negative ramifications of covert drone use by the United States are of great concern. Strikes outside accepted theaters of armed conflict are often the only contact those communities may have with the United States, and are generating fierce anti-American sentiment. This is particularly true if such strikes cause civilian harm and no explanation or recognition of such losses is offered, as is consistently the case. Americans and their elected leaders have a right to know what and how drone actions are being taken in their name, and if drone strikes are consistent with or violate applicable international law.
We believe the use of drones should be subject to the same level of transparency and legal constraints as any other weapon. Therefore, we resoundingly voice our support for the recent request by members of Congress that targeting criteria for “signature” strikes, the mechanisms used to ensure that such strikes are legal, and that follow-up and tracking mechanisms be made available. If the US is to continue as a leader on the international stage, it must take responsibility for its actions abroad and explain them at home.
Sincerely,
The Honorable Barack Obama
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
As leading organizations working to protect civilians caught in conflict, we write in support of the request by members of Congress for greater transparency regarding remotely piloted aircraft (RPA or drone) operations and, specifically, “signature” strikes.
We echo Congressional requests that information be released to Congress regarding US drone use including: targeting criteria for “signature” strikes; mechanisms used by the CIA and JSOC to ensure that such targeting is within the confines of international law, including which laws are being applied to these cases and definitions of a civilian; the procedure in place for investigations when civilians are known to have suffered losses of life, limb or property as a result of strikes; and mechanisms in place to track, analyze and publicly recognize civilian casualties.
As members of Congress noted, the negative ramifications of covert drone use by the United States are of great concern. Strikes outside accepted theaters of armed conflict are often the only contact those communities may have with the United States, and are generating fierce anti-American sentiment. This is particularly true if such strikes cause civilian harm and no explanation or recognition of such losses is offered, as is consistently the case. Americans and their elected leaders have a right to know what and how drone actions are being taken in their name, and if drone strikes are consistent with or violate applicable international law.
We believe the use of drones should be subject to the same level of transparency and legal constraints as any other weapon. Therefore, we resoundingly voice our support for the recent request by members of Congress that targeting criteria for “signature” strikes, the mechanisms used to ensure that such strikes are legal, and that follow-up and tracking mechanisms be made available. If the US is to continue as a leader on the international stage, it must take responsibility for its actions abroad and explain them at home.
Sincerely,
Ensure Transparency and Accountability In The U.S. Combat Drone Program
Ensure Transparency and Accountability In The U.S. Combat Drone Program
Ensure Transparency and Accountability In The U.S. Combat Drone Program
BY MAKING YOURSELF JUDGE, JURY AND EXECUTIONER, YOU HAVE DECLARED YOURSELF AS DICTATOR!
I believe the use of drones should be subject to the same level of transparency and legal constraints as any other weapon. Therefore, we resoundingly voice our support for the recent request by members of Congress that targeting criteria for “signature” strikes, the mechanisms used to ensure that such strikes are legal, and that follow-up and tracking mechanisms be made available.
Stop and reverse the rise of fascism in Americas! Stop and reverse the rise of the American fascist military/police state!
PLEASE END THE WARS NOW !!!
Citing statistics that more civilian casualties are caused by Al Qaeda than drone strikes does little to mollify the grief and anger of the survivors they leave behind. Nor does the assumption that all males of military age are automatically considered "combatants" hold any water.
I am very concerned about American covert aggressions and specifically drone strikes. I have read some chilling figures regarding drones and the use of them internationally, and most appallingly, domestically. The numbers that are projected to be in store in the future are staggering and made me think of sci-fi movies like the Terminator and Blade Runner.
Are we heading there slowly, inch by inch? drone by drone? Is this the future we want for children and future generations?
A world patrolled by remote button-pushing black ops forces?
I think about innocent peoples in other countries in this war that isn't a war; the humble lives of individuals and families you and others may regard as "collateral damage", people who celebrate births and love their pets, face the aging and loss of a grandparent, endeavor to go to school and improve their lot, long for peace and better lives for their children... I value and appreciate the culture and history of many of these targeted lands and grieve that we are destroying ancient cultural sites along with relations with those who inhabit those areas. These places are home to ancient cultures thousands of years old, that have given so much to all mankind in the form of language, writing, numbers, arts and crafts, architecture, poetry, philosophy, music…
There is so much more to mutually benefit our cultures by becoming allies and friends.
I am concerned about continued, unfettered counter-productive attacks and engagements that potentially further fuel hostile attitudes towards our country and people as well as divisive propaganda that villainizes and dehumanizes all muslim peoples and those cultures.
I am very concerned that CIA activities and RPAs are kept under vigorous oversight, carefully monitored and accountable for their actions.
We are merely fueling the flames of broader hostility rather than gaining an upper hand on the problematic minority.
Add to this the not insignificant financial cost of these RPAs and covert activities, in a time of financial strife not seen since the Great Depression, and I feel it is even more imperative that there be strict oversight and transparency.
We will never see the end of this if we do not behave ethically ourselves.
I am very concerned about American covert aggressions and specifically drone strikes. I have read some chilling figures regarding drones and the use of them internationally, and most appallingly, domestically. The numbers that are projected to be in store in the future are staggering and made me think of sci-fi movies like the Terminator and Blade Runner.
Are we heading there slowly, inch by inch? drone by drone? Is this the future we want for children and future generations?
A world patrolled by remote button-pushing black ops forces?
I think about innocent peoples in other countries in this war that isn't a war; the humble lives of individuals and families you and others may regard as "collateral damage", people who celebrate births and love their pets, face the aging and loss of a grandparent, endeavor to go to school and improve their lot, long for peace and better lives for their children... I value and appreciate the culture and history of many of these targeted lands and grieve that we are destroying ancient cultural sites along with relations with those who inhabit those areas. These places are home to ancient cultures thousands of years old, that have given so much to all mankind in the form of language, writing, numbers, arts and crafts, architecture, poetry, philosophy, music…
There is so much more to mutually benefit our cultures by becoming allies and friends.
I am concerned about continued, unfettered counter-productive attacks and engagements that potentially further fuel hostile attitudes towards our country and people as well as divisive propaganda that villainizes and dehumanizes all muslim peoples and those cultures.
I am very concerned that CIA activities and RPAs are kept under vigorous oversight, carefully monitored and accountable for their actions.
We are merely fueling the flames of broader hostility rather than gaining an upper hand on the problematic minority.
Add to this the not insignificant financial cost of these RPAs and covert activities, in a time of financial strife not seen since the Great Depression, and I feel it is even more imperative that there be strict oversight and transparency.
We will never see the end of this if we do not behave ethically ourselves.
Drones are the weapon of choice of COWARDS
I support the sentiments in the enclosed letter.
We need more transparency from our government, especially killing people who are innocent.
Drone strikes are immoral and unAmerican. We are not at war with these countries. If individuals are suspected of terrorism arrest them and give them a fair trial. That's the American way. Otherwise you are committing murder. This whole thing is a dangerous and slippery slope! It needs to stop NOW!
The bombing and killing of civilians is wrong, whether it happens in a United States city or an Afghan village. Hundreds, likely thousands of civilians have been killed in drone strikes in Afghanistan. What would the reaction be if a similar number of American civilians were killed by foreign forces in the United States? It is not that complicated. The hypocrisy of our foreign policy is an embarrassment and a crime against humanity.
The current drone policy is counterproductive, it is creating more people who hate America and therefore making us despised and less safe.
Obama has proven to be a vicious, ignorant, immature war criminal, guilty of waging war, war crimes and crimes against humanity. He must be indicted, tried, convicted as a war criminal, and LAWFULLY EXECUTED, along with members of the Bush gang, according to the provisions of the War Crimes Act of 1996..
This is a FEDERAL LAW AND SHOULD BE ENFORCED so that the world can be rid of these vicious mass murderers.
Drones are indiscriminate killers and should be banned in every coiuntry.
No more drone, please.
stop the drone strikes.
stop the drone strikes
Stringly condemn deaths of innocent people in such attacks in non combat areas and countries.
How do you unkill someone?
Dear President Obama:
It is extremely troubling that you believe U.S. presidents can authorize the killing of people, even U.S. citizens, they deem threats. Are we so fearful as a nation that we will kill people because of what we think they might do?
There are two good words in the English language to name this practice: assassination and murder. But neither is used. Instead, you and the media use terms like “lethal force”, “extraordinary action”, “taking out” and “targeted killing”. Currently, drone launched missiles are used to assassinate suspects. Those missiles often kill or maim persons who happen to be with the suspect – his family or perhaps his neighbor. And that is “collateral damage”, not murder.
The unwillingness to honestly name drone attacks suggests that deep down, you know that it is wrong to use them. Congresswoman Barbara Lee before voting against a war in Afghanistan said “let us not become the evil that we deplore”. A policy of deliberate murder and assassination suggests that we are now sliding down that slope.
Sincerely,
Joe Burton
If "middle-aged men" are "combatants," then it is a war against Islam.
Obama should be leading a crusade against corrupt rich people, not goatherders on the other side of the world. Reserve drone strikes for those found guilty in a court of law.
Secrecy is never a part of just actions.
Drones are immoral and should be liisted as illegal. Thanks
Do you have a conscious?
Killing civilians is never a good idea, and their being dead is not sufficient proof that they're terrorists.
WAKE UP DOWN IN WASHINGTON - YOU'VE BEEN TAKING US FOR FOOLS TOO LONG.
NO LIES / NO WARS.
ALL WAR CRIMINALS TO BE STATIONED AT THE SOUTH POLE TO COOL OFF.
THAT COULD EVEN INCLUDE POLITICIANS!
It is awful enough to be executing suspects without judicial due process, it is totally unacceptable to continue killing men, women and children that are not even suspects.
To fully assess civilian deaths due to drone strikes, more transparency is needed. I support the recent request by members of Congress that targeting criteria for “signature” strikes, the mechanisms used to ensure that such strikes are legal, and that follow-up and tracking mechanisms be made available.
Please don't turn America in a Terminator State.
Stop the ILLEGAL INVASION AND OCCUPATION OF IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN, Yemen, Pakistan, and any other SOVEREIGN NATION that we're currently screwing with.
It's against the Geneva Conventions, (which we largely drafted, ourselves, then SIGNED) and various domestic and international laws.
Enough, already.
I think financial commitment opportunities in urban vista has always been a better option than other kinds of cost-effective dedication like stocks or currency trading.
Not only can the investor make cuse of on his cost-effective dedication, he can always remain in it should he choose not to rental out it.
Investing in stocks, gold etc has really no tangible advantages on your cost-effective dedication.
Thats just my 2 money believed though
Thank you author for the useful writeup.
fdg Lentille de contact avec correction
to bad barack is pretty dumb---keep sending the drones-
send more drones- no mercy!
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