U.S. drone warfare claims life of al Qaeda 's number one leader , the 8th person to hold that position . Co - authors say data shows drone attacks getting more accurate , killing fewer civilians . They say Pakistan has stepped up drone war in northwest Pakistan . The criticism of the drone program by the United Nations official Philip Alston seems to have had little impact on the Obama administration , which is plowing ahead with drone strikes in Pakistan 's tribal regions on the grounds that they are `` effective , exact and essential . '' U.N. official has asked U.S. to explain the legal rationale for the drone attacks .
U.S. drone warfare claims life of al Qaeda 's number one leader , the 8th person to hold that position . Co - authors say data shows drone attacks getting more accurate , killing fewer civilians . They say Pakistan has stepped up drone war in northwest Pakistan . U.N. official has asked U.S. to explain the legal rationale for the drone attacks .