How effective was the drone campaign in Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia throughout Barack Obama’s presidency, 2009 – 2017?

This research analyses the failings and the overall effectiveness of the United States drone campaign operating in Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia throughout Barack Obama’s Presidency, 2009 - 2017. Effective being defined as how successful the US has been in targeting individuals who pose a legitimate threat to the US and its interests. The debate around US drone strikes is somewhat silenced, due to the intense secrecy surrounding many aspects of the programme. However, the proliferation of strikes under Obama has meant that more scholars and journalists are questioning methods used by the Obama administration to target individuals. This means that only recently have more articles and books been published specifically relating to these practises.

This study will consider the legality of strikes, the language used by government and military officials, the target selection procedures, intelligence collection methods and finally the different styles of strikes used to target individuals. By analysing these main, major components of the campaign, this study will conclude that, throughout Barack Obama’s presidency, the campaign was not as not as effective as it should have been. By revising and updating many of these factors analysed, US operations in the Middle East could become more effective in eliminating al Qaeda and associated forces.