Malala calls Obama out on drones

The administration's use of drones is "fueling terrorism" and killing innocent people, says the 16-year-old actvist

Published October 14, 2013 12:57PM (EDT)

Malala Yousafzai       (Reuters/Hoda Emam)
Malala Yousafzai (Reuters/Hoda Emam)

The power of Malala Yousafzai's advocacy for girls' education in Pakistan's Swat Valley made her a target for the Taliban, but education isn't the only issue she's passionate about.

In a Friday meeting with President Obama, the 16-year-old activist called out his administration's use of drones, explaining that he is "fueling terrorism."

She recalled their conversation in a statement to the Associated Press:

I thanked President Obama for the United States' work in supporting education in Pakistan and Afghanistan and for Syrian refugees. I also expressed my concerns that drone attacks are fueling terrorism. Innocent victims are killed in these acts, and they lead to resentment among the Pakistani people. If we refocus efforts on education it will make a big impact.


By Katie McDonough

Katie McDonough is Salon's politics writer, focusing on gender, sexuality and reproductive justice. Follow her on Twitter @kmcdonovgh or email her at kmcdonough@salon.com.

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Barack Obama Drones Malala Yousafzai National Security Terrorism Violence Against Civilians