Fact Check: Obama did the drone attacks

Fact Check: "Obama did the drone attacks"

What We Know

During his presidency from 2009 to 2017, Barack Obama significantly expanded the use of drone strikes as a tool for counterterrorism. According to a report by the Swarthmore International Relations Journal, Obama oversaw approximately 540 drone strikes, which were utilized for both counterterrorism operations and close air support in non-battlefield settings (Invisible Precedents). This marked a notable increase compared to his predecessor, George W. Bush, who authorized around 50 drone strikes during his presidency (New York Times).

The legal framework for these drone strikes was largely supported by the 2001 Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF), which allowed the president to use military force against those responsible for the September 11 attacks and associated forces (President Obama's Game of Drones). Obama justified the use of drones by stating that these operations were conducted "in last resort, and in self-defence" (President Obama's Game of Drones).

Analysis

The claim that "Obama did the drone attacks" is substantiated by multiple credible sources that document the extensive use of drone strikes during his administration. The Bureau of Investigative Journalism notes that the Obama administration's drone program became a cornerstone of U.S. counterterrorism strategy, particularly in countries like Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia (U.S. Drone Warfare and Civilian Casualties).

However, the drone program has faced significant criticism. Critics argue that it has led to numerous civilian casualties and raised ethical concerns regarding extrajudicial killings (Brookings). For instance, Attorney General Eric Holder acknowledged that U.S. drone strikes had unintentionally killed four Americans, three of whom were not specifically targeted (Brookings). This highlights the controversial nature of the drone program and the moral implications of its operations.

While the legal justification for drone strikes under the AUMF is debated, the Obama administration maintained that it operated within the bounds of the law (President Obama's Game of Drones). The sources reviewed provide a balanced view of the drone program, acknowledging both its strategic utility and the ethical dilemmas it presents.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "Obama did the drone attacks" is accurate, as evidence shows that President Obama was directly responsible for the significant expansion of the U.S. drone strike program during his time in office. The use of drones became a central element of his counterterrorism strategy, supported by legal frameworks that he and his administration argued justified their use. Despite the legal justifications, the program remains contentious due to its implications for civilian casualties and human rights.

Fact Check: Obama did the drone attacks