In Pakistan, chants of “Death to America” came from thousands in response to the latest misadventure concerning the unmanned Predator drone. Controlled from across the ocean, the drone fired four Hellfire missiles into a residential neighbourhood on Jan. 13, killing at least 18 civilians, many of whom were women and children. But back home, the U.S. has announced it plans to use the drones more often.

According to Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, the Predator drones have a “darned good record.” Just how many times the drones have been used isn’t officially made public, but Bush officials claim the latest attack killed four top al-Qaeda players, with no comment made on civilian deaths. At least 50 people have been killed by drones firing at targets the U.S. got wrong since 2001, but sometimes there’s not enough body left to be found.

Though there has been some dispute as to the legality of “targeted killings” under U.S. and international law, the current administration has never been known to be swayed by human decency.

» Scott Saxon