Unmanned: America’s Drone Wars (2013)
Unmanned: America’s Drone Wars is a powerful and eye-opening documentary that delves into the controversial realm of U.S. drone strikes, both domestically and abroad. Released in 2013, this feature-length film, directed by Robert Greenwald and produced by Brave New Films, sheds light on the impact of these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on the lives of civilians and combatants alike.
Synopsis: The Human Cost of Drone Warfare
The heart of the documentary lies in its interviews—over seventy of them. These conversations reveal the raw truth behind drone strikes:
- Tariq Aziz: At just sixteen years old, Tariq Aziz became a casualty of a drone strike in 2011. His story epitomizes the collateral damage inflicted upon innocent lives.
- Rafiq ur Rehman: A school teacher, Rafiq ur Rehman, witnessed the devastating consequences firsthand. His mother lost her life, and his children were hospitalized due to a drone strike in 2012. Their suffering underscores the human toll of remote warfare.
- Never-Before-Seen Footage: The film intersperses these interviews with never-before-seen footage from tribal regions in Pakistan. These glimpses into the aftermath of drone attacks humanize the victims, revealing the anguish and despair left in their wake.
The Unseen Costs
“Unmanned” challenges the prevailing narrative surrounding drone warfare. It argues that covert military drone strikes are often imprecise and result in unintended consequences. Here are some critical points:
- Blowback: The loss of innocent lives fuels resentment and anger, potentially creating more enemies for the American people. The film warns against the long-term repercussions of such actions.
- Corruption and Addiction: The documentary exposes the corruption within the system—ammunition disappearing, fuel being siphoned off, and misuse of resources. Additionally, the prevalence of drug addiction among those meant to protect compounds the challenges faced by drone operators.
Premiere and Impact
Unmanned premiered theatrically in New York City in October 2013. In a departure from traditional distribution models, it was also made available online for free. The film’s reception was positive, with Michael Moore’s website calling it “required viewing” and others describing it as “ardently compelling.”
Voices Heard
The documentary features a diverse array of interviewees, including:
- Lawrence Wilkerson, former chief of staff to Secretary of State Colin Powell
- David Kilcullen, former advisor to NATO and General David Petraeus
- Medea Benjamin, co-founder of Code Pink
- Jemima Khan, associate editor of New Statesman
- Imran Khan, chair of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
- Andrew Bacevich, professor of international relations and history
- Mark Mazzetti, national security correspondent for The New York Times
- Glenn Greenwald, national security columnist for The Guardian
Unmanned: America’s Drone Wars serves as a stark reminder that the true cost of war extends beyond borders and statistics. It lies in shattered lives, grieving families, and the moral dilemmas faced by those who operate these lethal machines.
