Drones or Artificial Intelligence?
When the question is posed in this manner, many will assume the answer is straightforward, but it is complex and requires a discussion that could span years. Drones are an old weapon, contrary to popular belief. They were invented after World War I by the Frenchman Max Boucher and have continued to evolve, with significant advancements made by several countries, including Israel, which used them intensively for reconnaissance during the 1982 Lebanon War. Their effectiveness has increased in the ongoing conflicts between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as between Russia and Ukraine. This refers to their military use; however, drones (miniature unmanned aerial vehicles) are also employed for photography and by delivery companies to transport luggage and goods. I am almost certain that their proponents would argue they are the most important weapon in the arsenal of states and resistance movements against American and Zionist hegemony worldwide.
On the other hand, artificial intelligence represents a transformation that will change the world, as it will enable computer systems to perform tasks that facilitate our lives and solve problems in unprecedented and effective ways. AI will also significantly advance medicine and mathematics. Unfortunately, however, it will also sometimes be used for military purposes. While defensive applications are beneficial, AI will also be used offensively against adversaries.
Some believe that AI has arrived among us as humans, but these are merely the first waves preceding a massive tsunami that will engulf the entire world, and we must prepare for it. AI is like a kitchen knife: a tool for preparing food for the family, but also a weapon for killing, much like many other things. We hope that major companies in the People’s Republic of China, such as DeepSeek, and their counterparts in Silicon Valley, USA, will agree to promote beneficial uses of AI while limiting harmful ones—an understanding reached between the American and Chinese presidents during their recent summit.
Humanity must choose the best path between these two camps. Unfortunately, supporters of drones are not a minority, and propaganda in favor of resistance is widespread, particularly given Israeli crimes in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, which motivate many to adopt resistance policies. The outcomes remain relative and subject to debate, as some advocate for the right of resistance against Zionism and imperialism while sending their children to the United States to study, teach, and live with dignity, as seen with some Iranian leaders. This, however, is a discussion for another day.
Amid all this debate, I, as an individual, have decided to join the AI camp, because I prefer a culture of life over a culture of death. Facilitating people’s lives is a good thing, and AI will help achieve that. The major wave is coming, so let us prepare for it. Has the message been received? I hope so.
