got geoint?

Although the concept of using unmanned drones to attack terrorism suspects in Pakistan came about during the Bush era, the Obama administration has continued these efforts and made it a centerpiece for national security policy. While the use of unmanned drones has been controversial, where many criticize these efforts as being illegal assassinations, or “unlawful extrajudicial killing,” one State Department legal adviser — who was an unflinching Bush critic — came out with a speech that robustly defends these efforts. In a speech before the American Society of International law, Harold Koh cited domestic and international law as foundations for the program. According to Mr. Kohl, the US is engaged in an “armed conflict” with al-Qaeda and its affiliates. He also asserted that “individuals who are part of such an armed group are belligerents and, therefore, lawful targets under international law.” Check out this Washington Post editorial for more on Mr. Kohl’s perspective on the use of unmanned drones.

Tags: al-Queda, drone attacks, GEOINT, geospatial intelligence, got geoint?, Harold Koh, Harold Koh and Drones, President Obama, State Department, United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation, unmanned drones, War on Terror