Drones Around the Globe: Proliferation and Resistance

A Recap of the Drone Summit in Washington, D.C. Nov. 16-17, 2013

by Marjorie Van Cleef, DISARM/End Wars Issue Committee

Code Pink organized the weekend meeting on weaponized drones, attended by over 300 people, with five WILPFers among them. Panels included speakers who presented information on the legal questions regarding drone use in warfare, guests from Yemen who reported on the effects of drone attacks in their communities, even though the US is not at “war” with Yemen. Representatives from Germany, UK, Israel, discussed the proliferation of drones in their countries. The UK, Israel, and the US are the manufacturers at this time. Two women from Afghanistan and two former US military personnel discussed their differing view of the drone war. The film “Wounds of Waziristan” is highly recommended.

Sunday was spent in well attended organizing workshops—how and where do we influence the military, manufacturers, researchers, politicians who participate, promote and profit from drone attacks. It’s clear we have a major challenge to stop this “war on terrorism,” the given rationale for drone attacks.

Monday was lobbying day when we visited the offices of our local Congresspeople. Notably, 35 people crowded into the office of Sen. Charles Schumer, NY to let him know our position on drone warfare. Many photos of victims of drone attacks were taped on the walls of his office. Four people were arrested when they refused to leave the area without meeting or speaking by phone with the Senator.

Please let us know what you are doing in your branches and local communities to bring attention to this dreadful war on civilians in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen and Somalia. Contact Marge Van Cleef, mvc@igc.org or Joan Ecklein, joanecklein@comcast.net.