It is 21 January 2021. You are the President Biden’s new National Security Advisor. Your assignment is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Predator drone attacks in Pakistan against Al Qaeda and the Taliban, their bases, and their supporters.
In your evaluation, answer the following questions (in approximately 1500 words, and not many fewer than that):
Do targeted killings work? When? Is the Israeli example helpful? What are the lessons the US can learn from similar Israeli policies? Should the President be constrained by Executive Orders that ban “assassinations”? Do the costs of targeted killings outweigh the benefits ? Should such targeted killings be constrained by the so-called Caroline Standard? Why or why not? Do the costs in terms of civilian casualties outweigh the benefits of the drone attacks? Why or why not?
In your answer, use the following sources (attached).
“Do Targeted Killings Work?” Daniel Byman
“When to Target Leaders”, Catherine Lotrionte
“The Caroline Rooting,” Nicholas Davies
“The Predator War,” Jane Mayer.
“The CIA’s Predator Drone War in Pakistan, 2004-2010”, Brian Williams.
Professor will evaluate the paper based largely on two criteria. First, and probably most importantly: intelligent and thorough use of the readings and lectures. Second, the formal presentation of the paper, e.g., organization, grammar, spelling, correct referencing of sources. Please read carefully the comments that I gave you on your first paper, to help review how you might best meet both criteria.
