Iraq

Theological Reflection

From the prophets to voices of our time, we are reminded of pathways to a more peaceable society.

·           “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore”. (Micah 4:3)

·           “A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual doom”. ( Martin Luther King Jr.)

·           “The American military’s efforts to aid tsunami victims in Indonesia and to assist victims of Pakistan’s earthquake did more to counter terrorist ideology than any attack mission.” (Michael Mullen, Chief of Naval Operations)

Background

The policy of preemption led to the Iraq War and continues to endanger the stability of the MidEast and peace in the world.

·           Doctrine of pre-emptive war has proved to simply give cover to aggressive action

·           The doctrine has obscured the distinction between leadership and domination

Goal  needs to be creating conditions for stability and peace

What Will Help

·           Acknowledge the costs of present policy in human lives, economic costs and international good will.

·           Consider whether other methods of conflict resolution could have worked better in finding WMDs, assuring democracy and removing Saddam Hussein.

·           Stop actions that produce destruction of life and property.

·           Admit that aid is our legal and moral responsibility, accrued by the very act of invading and occupying Iraq.

·           Plan new directions                  

·           Listen to other voices (loyal opposition, allies, NGOs, people who know history and culture of area

·           Engage in honest debate

·           Pursue goals in manner consistent with moral principles, political wisdom and international law.

·           Reaffirm the values we care about

·           Not allow war on terror to outrank ethical and legal norms

·           Seek non military solutions to terrorism

·           financial repercussions

·           international intelligence coordination

·           multi-national policing

·           political isolation

·           international tribunal discredit

·           brutality exposed

·           Publicly reject NSS and abandon efforts to carry it out.

(3/2006)