US Apologies Drone On

The global controversy about US military drone use has flared up again as news of the death of an Afghan infant in a recent attack was learned.  To tamp down the surging anger, an American military leader has once again the unenviable task of asking forgiveness from American “frienemy,” Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan apologized to President Hamid Karzai for a drone strike that killed a child and NATO promised an investigation Friday as rising tensions threatened efforts to persuade the Afghan leader to sign a long-delayed security agreement. Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford called Karzai late Thursday to express “deep regrets for the incident and any civilian casualties,” the commander’s spokesman said.

In addition to the obvious tragedy of killing an innocent baby, this example of collateral damage could not have come at a worse time.  As American and Afghan officials try to hammer out a deal to keep US forces in place as security beyond the current military commitment, the use of drones has become a major sticking point.

Civilian deaths at the hands of U.S. and allied soldiers have been one of the main sources of contention in increasingly tense relations with Karzai over the years, although such killings have fallen off sharply in recent years following stricter NATO guidelines on the use of air power against ground targets.

Through all the fighting, the successes, the mistakes and the apologies, negotiators on both sides remain hopeful a deal can be reached for long-term Afghan security.  This week’s incident, while certainly not helpful, will not be enough to end discussions.  However, more complex factors, including the unpredictability of Karzai, does make real optimism difficult.

By: Mark Quincy Adams

A proud 'pragmatic progressive' Mark Quincy Adams has been a political
talk show host and prolific pontificator since 1992. Find him on Facebook and Twitter @politicalglutton