Just War Theory

I received an E-mail today from a guy who claims the war in Iraq to be unjust and referred to St. Thomas' Summa Theologiae:

 

St. Thomas maintained that a war may be waged justly under three conditions: First, the legitimate authority (last time I checked the Congress of the United States did authorize the war and have provided funding for the same on several occasions since that date.  Additionally, let's not forget UN resolution after UN resolution that Saddam ignored.) who has the duty of preserving the common good must declare the war. 

Secondly, a just cause for war must exist. St. Augustine, quoted by St. Thomas, said, "A just war is apt to be described as one that avenges wrongs, when a nation or state has to be punished, for refusing to make amends for the wrongs inflected by its subjects, or to return what it has seized unjustly. (Saddam was executed for what?  Let's not forget Saddam agreed to comply to conditions imposed upon Iraq when they surrendered after the First Gulf War.)

Finally, St. Thomas said the warring party must have the right intention, "so that they intend the advancement of good or the avoidance of evil. " (This is the sticking point for those who like to chant the mantra "Bush lied."  If that is the case then Bush repeated the lies of the Clinton administration.  For my part, I believe George Bush believed it was to free the Iraqis from an evil despot.  Anyone want to debate Saddam was not?)

That said, I believe I can support the claim that this war meets the standard of St. Thomas' "Just War" theory.

Tags: Just War, Iraq