Drone Alert: Winter Olympics 2010 Version

During our last update on July 8, 2009 we reported that since Barack Obama had taken office there had been at least 25 drone attacks with over 440 people killed in western Pakistan.  In the interval time period, there have been a multitude of additional attacks--approximately 39 killing over 358 people.  The attacks are being chronicled fairly well here, a page we will use in conjunction with other available information to keep further tally.  With additional data since our previous reports, the total death toll via US drone attacks during Obama Administration stands at 798 including numerous women, children, and civilians.  As always, this number is quite conservative with the actual number of casualties much greater. 

It is important to note that the usage of drones is not restricted to Pakistan, but the situation there is unique as that nation is allegedly an ally of the United States and by many considered to be sovereign.  Here is the rapid escalation of such attacks in Pakistan under the hawkish Barack Obama:

2004: 1         (Bush)

2005: 1         (Bush)

2006: 3         (Bush)

2007: 5         (Bush)

2008: 36       (Bush)

2009: 53       (Obama 52, Bush 1)

2010: 14*     (Obama)

*To date

2010 has started off an a particularly bloody pace with attacks at the rate of one almost every third day.  It should also be noted that since our last briefing, Mr. Obama picked up the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize.  Not too shabby for a president whose foreign policy is war--both declared and undeclared.  It is not surprising that Obama accepted the award while overseeing, expanding, and starting wars--but it does further diminish the credibility of the Norwegian foundation bestowing him the award.

As summary since he began his term, Barack Hussain Obama has ordered approximately 66 drone attacks killing well over 798 people in Pakistan, and had 1 Nobel Prize of Peace decreed upon him.