Fact Check: "Obama authorized drone strikes on Pakistan that killed 5000 people approximately"
What We Know
The claim that "Obama authorized drone strikes on Pakistan that killed 5000 people approximately" needs to be unpacked. The United States, under President Barack Obama, significantly increased drone strikes in Pakistan, particularly from 2009 to 2017. According to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, U.S. drone strikes in Pakistan from 2004 to 2016 resulted in an estimated 2,372 to 3,581 deaths, with civilian casualties ranging from 424 to 969. The total number of casualties attributed to drone strikes in Pakistan during Obama's presidency, therefore, does not reach the claimed 5000 deaths.
Moreover, a study indicated that during Obama's administration, there was a notable reduction in civilian casualties due to the implementation of a "near certainty" standard for strikes, which aimed to minimize civilian deaths (Brookings Institution). This policy was a response to increasing criticism of the drone program and aimed to enhance the legality and morality of U.S. military actions abroad.
Analysis
While the claim suggests that Obama authorized strikes that killed approximately 5000 people, the available data does not support this figure. The Wikipedia entry on drone strikes in Pakistan notes that the total number of confirmed drone strikes during Obama's presidency was around 430, which resulted in thousands of deaths, but the estimates of civilian casualties are significantly lower than the 5000 figure.
The Bureau of Investigative Journalism provides a range of estimates for total deaths, indicating that while the strikes were lethal, they did not reach the level claimed. Furthermore, the credibility of the Bureau is supported by its detailed tracking of drone strikes and casualty estimates, which are widely referenced in academic and policy discussions.
The claim may stem from a misunderstanding or exaggeration of the total impact of drone strikes during Obama's presidency. The context of the drone warfare strategy, including the shift to a more cautious approach regarding civilian casualties, suggests that while many were killed, the number of civilian deaths was a significant concern that the Obama administration sought to address (Brookings Institution).
Conclusion
The claim that Obama authorized drone strikes on Pakistan that killed approximately 5000 people is Partially True. While it is accurate that Obama authorized a significant number of drone strikes that resulted in thousands of deaths, the specific figure of 5000 is not supported by credible data. The actual estimates of casualties are lower, and the Obama administration implemented policies aimed at reducing civilian casualties, reflecting a complex and evolving approach to drone warfare.
