SPY EYES ANALYSIS

By S. M. Hali Pakistan has been presenting arguments demonstrating the fallout of drone attacks on its territory but its pleas have fallen on deaf ears; meanwhile the collateral damage continues with each attack. A new research and investigation report by leading US institutions rejects the US State Department’s view regarding the use of drones in Pakistan and concludes that the strikes are counterproductive and damaging; kill innocent civilians, constantly terrorizing the people of tribal areas, depriving children of education and even targeting rescuers. The study titled: ‘Living under Drones’, released earlier this week, the product of extensive nine months’ research, conducted by the International Human Rights and Conflict Resolution Clinic of Stanford Law School (Stanford Clinic) and the Global Justice Clinic at New York University School of Law (NYU Clinic), seeking a review of the drone policy, concludes that: “The number of high-level militants killed as a percen...

The Pakistani public may be very patriotic and proud of their nation. Its culture, traditions and lifestyle are indeed very intricate. But within the intricacy of its lifestyle is embedded the hard truth about Pakistan’s sovereignty and independence. Sixty-four years of existence have been punctured with foreign aid, most of which comes from the United States or international institutions heavily influenced by Washington. Pakistan shares a tumultuous relationship with the United States. Over the years, Pakistan has played a significant role in fighting America’s proxy war against the Soviets in Afghanistan; the Pressler agreement suspended US military aid to Pakistan; Pakistan allied itself with the US to fight the “War against Terrorism” and later on the Afghan war, where it offered its personnel and bases for US operations. In turn, US has helped Pakistan in its defense systems and contributed significantly in some civilian projects too. This year was marked with Davis’s murder of t...