Obama authorizes use of armed drones in Libya

With it becoming harder by the day to distinguish friend from foe in Libya President Barack Obama today has authorized the use of armed predator drones within the country engulfed in combat. Unrest broke out in Libya two months ago when the people now defined as "rebels" began the overthrow of their much despised leader Muammar Gaddaffi, who has held on to power for an amount of time totaling more than four decades. Last month western allies along with NATO intervened to enforce a no-fly zone to stop the bombings of innocent civilians being perpetrated by the brutal Libyan government in a desperate attempt of clinging to power. Predator drones which have been used by the U.S. in other mid-eastern countries such as Pakistan have been a hot bed of controversy due to claims of civilians being killed and wounded by their attacks.


 The report of drones being issued for use in Libya comes from Defense Secretary Robert Gates who also states "The President has said that where we have some unique capabilities, he is willing to use those,"; prior to this authorization the U.S. had been using drones in Libya for surveillance reasons the difference is now that they are permitted to use deadly force on enemies and their compounds. These compounds include targets such as radar, missile, and air defense sites as wells as troops belonging to Gaddaffi. Predator drones have been a key tool to U.S. military operations since their conception because they allow a wider range of abilities compared to those of larger aircrafts. Gates also went on to say that the use of the drones would be a "modest contribution" to the allies in the fight against Gaddaffi.


 In my own opinion all options should be on the table to bring an end to the blood shed that has been going on since the fighting began. This is without a doubt the harshest and longest uprising that has taken place within the region this year. Unfortunately the actions in Libya may prove to be a diagram for other oppressive regimes that will fight off attempted revolutions by their citizens that grow tired of their way of living as the days go by. To the people of Libya I commend your courage and hope that your wishes are granted throughout the journey for freedom you have embarked on. 


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