The U.S. has intensified its targeted killings in Afghanistan and Pakistan since Obama took office. During his state of the union address, President Obama proudly proclaimed that more "terrorists" than ever have been killed under his watch.
Who order these assassinations? How can they be sure that those killed are guilty as charged? How many of those killed are innocent bystanders?
Does the spy agencies have the authority to assassinate American citizens?
According to the recent issue of Newsweek, Dennis Blair, the director of National Intelligence, told a congressional committee:
U.S. spy agencies have the authority to assassinate American citizens abroad who are believed to be involved in terrorism.
If the U.S. spy agencies "believe" you are involved with terrorism, you are a dead man. There is no "innocent until proven guilty". You have no right to defend yourself in court...
George W. Bush signed a classified "intelligence finding" authorizing the assassination of suspected terrorists. By this order, which continues under Barack Obama, offficials within the CIA and Pentagon can launch lethal strikes on suspected foreign terrorists without seeking permission from higher-ups. But, say officials, strikes specifically targeting Americans must first be approved by a secret committee made up of senior intel officials and members of the president's cabinet.
Well, you should be happy: At least a "high-up secret committee" signed your death certificate because you are an American.
Committee approval is required only if the specific target of the assassination is an American--not if an American happens to be in the vicinity of a foreign target at the time of the strike.