Dawn of a New Era: UAV Drone Attacks Wreak Havoc in Pakistan and Cause Ripple Effects in Afghanistan (Feature‪)‬

American-sanctioned drone strikes in Pakistan's tribal areas began in 2004 and increased significantly from 2008 to the present. Military leaders, government officials and media pundits are divided on this issue, with half calling for more strikes while others believe them to be counterproductive. In order to understand how drone strikes in the tribal areas are affecting the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan, one must take a comprehensive look at both theatres and how one influences the other. Factors that need to be examined include the drone's capabilities and limitations, American policy with regards to these platforms' use, the overall plan of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to stabilize Afghanistan (and whether or not it is in line with the Central Intelligence Agency's activities in Pakistan), and how the civilian casualties caused by the drone attacks contribute to extremism in both countries while fuelling instability in Pakistan.