re: #2 Political Atheist

The change in how we view imminet threat is what is changing. Right now that means drones and Obama. In the near future that will be global strike, various weapons and the same legal dilemma. The possibility some strikes are war crimes under international law.

That Iraq WMD threat was legally “imminent” enough to invade. This is not just grabbing headlines. A bit more from the article

Do we want future Presidents wielding this authority?

When al-Qaeda and the Taliban start talking about the legality and ethics of their operations then perhaps we can talk. In the mean time, we seem to be having a lop-sided philosophical debate on the topic. Also, the notion that “Obama is droning Americans” has been extremely sensationalized and over-dramatized. This policy has been put to use minimally.

White House spokesman says drone strikes are “legal,” “ethical” and “wise” tpm.ly/TFSxVG

— Talking Points Memo (@TPM) February 5, 2013

I eagerly await for al-Qaeda and the Taliban to enter this moral debate.