Opposition to Drones or America?

As mentioned in the most recent lecture, Glenn Greenwald is a staunch opponent of the United States’ drone warfare campaign currently taking place in Pakistan. His quote of Marcy Wheeler in saying, “Why is the government so afraid of Pakistanis explaining to Americans what the drone attacks look like from a Pakistani perspective,” caught my eye. It is my opinion that, while the United States has waged a flawed series of attacks over the years, and that many innocent people have been killed, Mr. Greenwald is still missing the bigger picture. Greenwald highlights a series of situations where Pakistani citizens of prominence were detained or denied entry into the United States. What’s important about these citizens is their negative views toward the United States and its drone attacks. He mentions that the Obama Administration says that those who oppose drone usage are terrorist sympathizers. He also goes onto criticize the United States for being hypocritical in its cries for more open-minded behavior, saying that our discontent with Pakistani citizens and policy makers that oppose drone warfare is ironic. In my opinion, Greenwald is fighting a lost cause. In this article, it seems that he is less opposed to drone warfare, and more so a critic of the United States as a whole. Why would the United States not permit a prominent Pakistani official into the country? That’s simple. Perhaps the Obama Administration is angry with the lack of assistance from Pakistan in its attempts to cease all terrorist harboring throughout the country. Our alleged hostility toward a nation that continues to turn a blind eye to the terrorist organizations taking refuge in its country seems reasonable. Additionally, when Greenwald accuses the Obama Administration of bullying tactics, this is something that I strongly disagree with as well. He claims that this current administration basically operates on a “if you aren’t with us, you’re against us” mentality. Yes, more drone attacks have been issued under Obama than any other president, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that steps toward a civil relationship with Pakistan haven’t been taken. I believe Greenwald to be speaking in generalizations here, rather than fact. As seen in my previous posts, I often question the policies and tactics of my country (as any good citizen should). I do, however, strongly believe that when it comes to protecting our boarders against additional attacks, and keeping a resolute stance opposing any nation that aids terrorism, we should not tread lightly. Greenwald seems to be picking at something that is far too microscopic to be upset over. I believe this nation should re-evaluate its drone practices. But that’s not the issue Greenwald is fighting; it’s much bigger than that.