Kucinich: Obama’s drone attacks in Pakistan ‘inspire radicalism

[G_j]

http://rawstory.com/rs/2010/0419/kucinich-obamas-drone-attacks-pakistan-inspiring-radicalism/


Kucinich: Obama’s drone attacks in Pakistan ‘inspire radicalism’

By Sahil Kapur
Monday, April 19th, 2010 -- 10:16 am


WASHINGTON – Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) forcefully criticized President Obama's drone strikes in Pakistan as inspiring the anti-American sentiments they seek to quell, touching upon a consequence of the policy rarely discussed in the media but well-recognized in the region.

"I do not support the drone attacks," Kucinich told Raw Story, arguing that they are pushing the United States "into an area of unaccountability that would lead to blowback, where we actually lose friends, where we help inspire anti-American sentiments and fanaticism and radicalism."

The missile strikes, carried out by aircraft drones piloted remotely, have wiped out many Islamic militants, including high-level Al-Qaeda operatives, according to Pentagon officials.

But they have also killed civilians, sparking anger in the Islamic nation and fueling dissatisfaction with the United States and Pakistan’s pro-American government alike. Kucinich argued that the strikes are, as a result, counterproductive.

"Just as an occupation fuels an insurgency, these drones build feelings and resistance against the United States and help gain support for those elements who wish to do America harm," he said, alleging that Pakistan’s support and cooperation is vital to nuclear nonproliferation and counterterrorism efforts.

..more..