Obama Administration to Allow Sales of Armed Drones to Allies

The Obama administration will permit US export of armed drones to allies including Turkey and Persian Gulf nations The US already exports drones for gathering intelligence to some allies. Drone strikes have become a central tool in combatting terrorists and militants in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Iraq and Syria, reports Missy Ryan for the Washington Post. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for allies that pledge no use on civilians. US officials may also monitor use. Ryan reports: “in a reflection of the sensitivity surrounding sales of the lethal technology to allied countries, some of which have troubling records on human rights and political freedoms, the new policy lays out principles that foreign governments must embrace to receive the aircraft.” The global drone market is valued at about $6 billion this year and expected to grow. Ryan and analysts anticipate scrutiny from human rights groups and Congress, especially after many US arms provided to Iraqi troops landed in the hands of the Islamic State. – YaleGlobal

Obama Administration to Allow Sales of Armed Drones to Allies

The US will export armed drones, an emerging central tool in fighting terrorism, to allies on a case-by-case basis, but that could raise human-rights concerns
Missy Ryan
Thursday, February 26, 2015

Craig Whitlock contributed to this report.

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