I can visualize a storm being raised in media by right-wing religious-political parties over the ex-President Gen. Musharraf’s admission that Americans used drones with the agreement of then-Pakistan government. As per record, Americans during 2004-2007 used drones with relative care, most probably taking Pakistan on board while sharing the intelligence information.

Since 2008, drone attacks became a routine task targeting militants in Pak-Afghanistan tribal areas. Apparently Americans have kept Pakistan out of intelligence sharing on targets and timings.

Drones have been widely blamed for collateral damage resulting in resentment among locals which produced more militants and more anti-Americanism across the country. We all know that numerous high profile figures of Al-Qaeda and Taleban were eliminated by drones, which would have not been possible by ground forces. Therefore, no one can deny the usefulness of this weapon. However, indiscriminate use of any weapon is dangerous and counter-productive; same is applicable for drones.

Given the difficult and hostile terrain, presence of a wicked and bloodthirsty enemy, there is no way ground forces can ever pacify the region. In that case, drones are the best option, even more preferred over air bombardment that results in increased collateral damage.

The only thing, which is lacking is the trust between Pakistan and US. It’s obvious that both countries are facing a common enemy; then why not a common strategy to stamp out this enemy? Both need to work out on trust deficit, so that intelligence could be shared to jointly decide when and where to strike.

Isolated strikes such as those which killed Nek Mohammed and Baitullah Mehsud shall set the precedent for future strikes.

Let’s accept the fact written on the wall: Al-Qaeda or Taleban can’t be defeated by ground forces. So whatever resources/technology are at disposal shall be deployed to win the war on terror. — Masood Khan, Jubail