Dilemma Over Drone Strikes Against American Citizens

Dilemma Over Drone Strikes Against American Citizens

Seems U.S. officials are in a true state of dilemma when it comes to an American citizen who is also a member of al-Qaeda. Should the Obama administration kill this man, who is actively planning attacks against Americans overseas, with a drone strike? Or, should the administration legally build a case against him?

Dilemma Over Drone Strikes Against American CitizensWatching this suspected terrorist since last fall, officials have identified him as an “al-Qaeda facilitator,” who has been directly responsible for deadly attacks against U.S. citizens in oversea locations using IEDs. In some people’s opinion that’s enough to take action; but this alleged American terrorist is quite intelligent and has seemingly outsmarted the American government.

This suspected terrorist is well-guarded in a fairly remote location, living in a country that refuses U.S. military action on its soil, rendering American officials helpless. Not only that, Obama’s new policy states that American suspected terrorists overseas can only be killed by the military, not the CIA. So, as CIA drones watch in wait as this man plots and carries out terrorist activities against American citizens, their hands are tied.

A senior administration officer, however, has indicated that the president could make a onetime exception, allowing the Pentagon to take action against this American under the Authorization for Use of Military Force, a resolution passed by Congress a week after 9/11 to target al-Qaeda, since the administration has ruled him an enemy combatant.

But, governmental departments are divided and have requirements to fulfill:

  • Defense Department - questioning whether this man is dangerous enough to allow a potential domestic fall out of killing an American without charging him with a crime or trying him, along with the potential of international fallout with the country in which the suspect is residing.
  • Justice Department - required to prove that killing the suspect through military action is “legal and constitutional.”
  • Senate and House – blocked funding to transfer CIA’s stealth RQ-170 drone fleet to the Pentagon.
  • Lawmakers – arguing that the CIA has more experience flying drones, so Pentagon should not get involved.

Through all this drone debate, a chilling fact: The U.S. Justice Department has yet to begin to build a case against this alleged terrorist, so it looks like taking any kind of action won’t happen anytime soon.

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • Choosing the Right Solution

    Today, there is a strong shift from on-prem installations to cloud or hybrid-cloud deployments. As reported in the 2024 Genetec State of Physical Security report, 66% of end users said they will move to managing or storing more physical security in the cloud over the next two years. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Security Risks for U.S. Retail Chains

    Interface Systems, a provider of security, actionable insights, and purpose-built networks for multi-location businesses, has released its 2024 State of Remote Video Monitoring in Retail Chains report. The detailed study analyzed over 2 million monitoring requests across 4,156 retail locations in the United States from September 2023 to August 2024. Read Now

  • Gaining a Competitive Edge

    Ask most companies about their future technology plans and the answers will most likely include AI. Then ask how they plan to deploy it, and that is where the responses may start to vary. Every company has unique surveillance requirements that are based on market focus, scale, scope, risk tolerance, geographic area and, of course, budget. Those factors all play a role in deciding how to configure a surveillance system, and how to effectively implement technologies like AI. Read Now

  • 6 Ways Security Awareness Training Empowers Human Risk Management

    Organizations are realizing that their greatest vulnerability often comes from within – their own people. Human error remains a significant factor in cybersecurity breaches, making it imperative for organizations to address human risk effectively. As a result, security awareness training (SAT) has emerged as a cornerstone in this endeavor because it offers a multifaceted approach to managing human risk. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame. 3

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening. 3

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file. 3