A Just According War - Essay Example

Street Address ST ZIP e-mail phone fax A Just War This paper attempts to answer the question of whether or not the war in Iraq qualifies as a just war according to Catholic Doctrine. This paper will first examine what a just war is according to Catholic Doctrine and then apply the definition to the Iraq War to determine whether it is a just war. 1. Catholic Doctrine and a "Just War". According to paragraph 2309 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the guidance given to help determine what a just war is (Catholic Answers): The strict conditions for legitimate defense by military force require rigorous consideration. The gravity of such a decision makes it subject to rigorous conditions of moral legitimacy. At one and the same time: the damage inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations must be lasting, grave, and certain; all other means of putting an end to it must have been shown to be impractical or ineffective; there must be serious prospects of success; the use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated. The power of modern means of destruction weighs very heavily in evaluating this condition. These are the traditional elements enumerated in what is called the "just war" doctrine. The evaluation of these conditions for moral legitimacy belongs to the prudential judgment of those who have responsibility for the common good. The first question the definition brings is who has "the responsibility for the common good" This is Catholic Doctrine so one would assume that the leadership of the Catholic Church is responsible for defining it for the Catholic community. The doctrine does put the responsibility on the leadership of the Catholic Church and that would be the Pope. But, the Catholic Church turns that responsibility back to the people when they ask the community to keep them informed (Catholic Answers). The Pope and the Church pass some of this responsibility to the members of the Church by educating the people of the church (using the Catechism). The idea of condoning a war would seem to be in direct conflict with many of the scriptures and teachings of the Catholic Church and the Bible. Mathew 5:9 says "blessed are the peacemakers", and later in Matthew 5:39 the Bible instructs one to turn the other cheek when struck in the face. This gives the impression that when challenged one should not react in an aggressive manner (according to the Bible). This contradicts Catholic doctrine that allows for the evaluation of war as just or unjust. To condone war would mean acceptance, to some extent, of Catholic Doctrine over the writings of the Bible. In order to evaluate the Iraq war as just or unjust according to Catholic Doctrine (Catechism) the teachings of the Bible need to be set aside as not relevant. The Catholic Church is assumed to have evaluated it all for its congregation and given its rulings in its Catechism (like a judge interprets the law when making a ruling in a court case). Evaluating the Iraq War will be done assuming the Catholic Catechism is the law. 2. Just or Unjust War The first part of the Catechism to be examined is this: "the damage inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations must be lasting, grave, and certain."(Catholic Catechism paragraph 2309). This question challenges whether the Iraqi leadership (or the country itself) is expected to cause lasting, grave, and certain damage to the community of nations. During the first Gulf War it was evident that Iraq (the country) intended to take over Kuwait and cause great harm to Israel and any other country that was part of the coalition forces that liberated Kuwait. When the World Trade Center was bombed it was clear that it was an attack on the United Statesbut initially unclear who was responsible. The men who carried out the attacks on 9-11 were from the Middle East and were apparently funded by Osama Bin Laden. "Osama bin Laden Promises More Attacks on United States" (ABC News, 2006). He is quoted in the ABC article as proclaiming that Al Qaida is planning another attack against the United States on US soil. Bin Ladin accepts responsibility for the 9-11 World Trade Center attacks. So, where does Iraq come into this It was clear that the War in Afghanistan was the result of Bin Ladin and Al Qaida using the country as its training ground and refuge. Initially, the purpose of the war in Iraq was to rid Iraq of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), end Iraq's support of terrorism, and free the Iraqi people (Bush, 2003). The weapons of mass destruction qualify as "lasting, grave, and certain" (Catholic Catechism paragraph 2309) according to the Catholic Catechism. Reevaluation of the situation shows that WMD were not found so the war stands on the other two reasons The United States led coalition forces into Iraq: support for terrorism and freedom for the Iraqi People. The next consideration, whether "all other means of putting an end to it must have been shown to be impractical or ineffective" (Catholic Catechism, paragraph 2309). After the Gulf War the United Nations instituted an oil for food program to assist the Iraqi nation in feeding its people. This program was successful and was handed over to coalition forces "Coalition Provision Authority (CPA)" (UN, 2003) for administration. But, apparently, other opportunities for Iraq to avoid war were not addressed by the Iraqi government (Saddam Hussein). It was feared that Iraq had become the new terrorist training ground and still disregarded the condition of its own people (Kurds). Instead of addressing issues Iraqi prepared for war with coalition forces thus fulfilling the requirement of the Catechism that any other interventions were impractical or ineffective. It must be noted that when one nation wars against another it is easier to accept the war if the purpose is simplified for all to grasp. In the Iraq war the coalition forces had many goals and objectives; one was the capture of Saddam Hussein (the bad guy). This one, simplified objective, made the idea of war tolerable to many. The Catechism's next requirement is "there must be serious prospects of success". Because the Gulf War was a resounding success many believed that the Invasion of Iraq would be over as quickly. President Bush warned the country that "A campaign on harsh terrain in a vast country could be longer and more difficult than some have predicted"(Bush, 2003). Still, the people of the United States believed it would be a short duration war. It may be because the prospect of success was good, that this would be considered a just war. Perhaps a reevaluation would find this an unjust war because of the continued fight with insurgents. Many believe World War Two was a just war and that war went from 1941-1945 for the United States. The condition of "the use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated. The power of modern means of destruction weighs very heavily in evaluating this condition". What comes to mind here is the idea that we should leave things better than when we found them. It is interesting here that the United States has spent much money on the rebuilding of Iraq. The utilities Americans take for granted, such as electricity and running water, were wanting in Iraq. The coalition forces have spent much time and money on nation building to include electrical service, water and sewer, schools, and roads. As far as this condition is concerned the coalition forces have done well by rebuilding and using weapons that can target and destroy with great accuracy (smart bombs). The last statement of the Catechism in question mentions "The evaluation of these conditions for moral legitimacy belongs to the prudential judgment of those who have responsibility for the common good." So, who has this responsibility The Catholic Church has the responsibility of evaluating the situation for their congregation. Further responsibility can be given to those who wage war. The coalition forces who agreed that the situation required intervention are responsible for the outcome and the deaths of all involved. Again, the question is asked: is the war in Iraq a just war The Roman Catholic Church led by Pope John Paul II opposed the war in Iraq. Thus, they interpreted the Catechism 2309 as not justifying the war in Iraq. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops gave a statement prior to the war that supported the idea of an unjust war but went on to urge the American People to support the effort with prayer: Our nation is on the brink of war. We worked and prayed and hoped that war would be avoided. The task now is to work and pray and hope that war's deadly consequences will be limited, that civilian life will be protected, that weapons of mass destruction will be eliminated, and that the people of Iraq soon will enjoy a peace with freedom and justice (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops). Once war was certain the Bishops gave guidance to the American people regarding prayer and solidarity. They acknowledged that the President's decision was a hard one and that Catechism 2309 was followed when it came to weighing all the available information and although they did not agree (per Pope John Paul II) they urged the American people to support the President. They expressed the deep regret that the war could not be avoided. When Saddam Hussein was captured Cardinal Martino stated that although his capture may bring peace it does not excuse war (Catholic News Service, 2003). The Vatican praised the capture of the dictator but continued to call the war an unjust war. The Vatican official said "the Holy See hoped the dictator's capture would help "accelerate the involvement of Iraqis in the governing of their country" and help bring more involvement by the United Nations in postwar Iraq"(Catholic News Service). The Catholic Church, after the war began, expressed concern about post war obligations and humanitarian concerns (Catholic Bishops). Because the Iraq war was considered an unjust war does not mean that the Catholic Church washes their hands of the situation. It is clear that the Church accepted the decision to go to war (while not condoning it) and moved forward to address concerns that the war would bring. Conclusion: Determining whether or not a war is a just war is a complicated process that requires careful consideration. The Catholic Church has a set way of determining just vs. unjust when it comes to war. The Church depends on guidelines in the Catechism, specifically paragraph 2309. Determining a war is unjust does not mean that the Church washes its hands of the problem. The Church has a history of contributing prayers, and humanitarian aid to countries at war. Iraq is no different. Pope John Paul II declared the Iraq war an unjust war. With each bit of progress in the war the church has praised the progress but also adds that it is an unjust war. Paragraph 2309 of the Catholic Catechism provides guidelines to use to determine when a war is just or unjust. This paragraph outlines considerations such as conditions that must exist, that without war there would be lasting, grave and certain damage, other means are impractical or ineffective, prospects of success, are there greater evils, and who decides (Catholic Answers). There are other guidelines provided in the Catechism that are used to guide decisions when it comes to war. Once a conflict begins (just or unjust) justice is a major concern. Brutality, how to treat non-combatants, and humane treatment of prisoners are outlined in the Catechism. As far as the Iraq War is concerned the Catholic Church calls it an unjust war and made the decision using the Catechism paragraph 2309. Once the war began the church had other concerns that are also outlined in the Catechism. The Catholic Church does not disassociate itself from the war because it sees it as unjust. But, once war breaks out the Church moves to its other concerns. Pope John Paul II in his State of the World Address to the Diplomatic Corps Accredited to the Vatican (January 13, 2003) told the world that they have to be able to say "no". His listed his as "No to death, no to selfishness, and no to war. (ZENIT News Services). The Pope was very against the War in Iraq and called it a breakdown in humanity. It is interesting to note that the Catechism does not specify who should make the final decision about whether or not a war is a just war. But, does say those who have the responsibility for the common good should decide. The decision about the Iraq war being just vs. unjust is in how the Catechism is interpreted or understood. Therefore one person could argue "Just!" while another could argue "Unjust!". Works Cited ABC News International. 01/19/06 "Osama Bin Laden Promises More Attacks On the United States". Retrieved March 2, 2007. http://abcnews.go.com/International/storyid=1521491 American Catholic. Catholic News Service. "Saddam's capture may bring peace, doesn't excuse war, cardinal says" 2003. Retrieved March 3, 2007. http://www.americancatholic.org/News/JustWar/Iraq/#Background> Bush, George W. President. "President Discusses Beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom".03/22/2003. Retrieved March 2, 2007. http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/03/20030322.html> Catholic Answers. "Just War Doctrine". 2020 Gillespie Way, El Cajon, CA 92020 USA Retrieved March 2, 2007. http://www.catholic.com/library/Just_war_Doctrine_1.asp United Nations. "UN Office of the Iraq Programme Oil for Food". 2007-03-02. http://www.un.org/Depts/oip/ United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. "Statement on War With Iraq" 2003. Retrieved March 3, 2007. http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/peace/stm31903.htm Zenit News Services. "The World Seen From Rome". 2003. 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