More Drone Attacks in Yemen This Year, than Ever Before

 Hakim Almasmari, a reporter for CNN and editor of the Yemen Post seems to contradict President Obama's optimism towards the fate of al-Qaeda.

He also believes that a deal could have been made between al-Qaeda and the government. ‘Yesterday alone five senior members escaped a prison, a highly secured prison in Yemen. Two days ago, two suspected al-Qaeda militants escaped Aden prison…. Eighty-eight suspected al-Qaeda militants have escaped prison over the last four months alone. It’s a strategy – President Hadi needs to be powerful, he needs the image of being a leader. And sometimes that could mean cooperating or coming to agreements with al-Qaeda to evacuate but in return have some of their members released.’

The Bureau has recorded more airstrikes in Yemen so far in 2012 than in any previous year, and more activity than in Pakistan. But precisely who is carrying out most of the strikes remains unclear. Although there have been 63 airstrikes in the past six months, only 17 have been confirmed by US or Yemeni officials as US attacks.

Almasmari, an American of Yemeni descent who moved to the Yemeni capital Sanaa 10 years ago, is one of the few reporters in the country regularly reporting on drone strikes.
 

Is the Left aware that President Obama has ordered more drone attacks in Yemen this year than any previous year?  I doubt it.   Are they aware that drone attacks are taking place in Somalia as well?  I doubt it.  No one reports on it.   Don't get me wrong.  Personally, I think these drone strikes are a great idea.  I just get a kick out of the fact that the president can't afford to advertise these efforts because it would demoralize his base voters.  At the same time, taking a victory lap and implying that al-Qaeda is on the run, is dangerous...since they aren't.