Ethical
Reflection
Just War Criteria
helps override a strong presumption for the use of force and can be important
for dealing with insurgencies, evaluating
movements, sanctions, embargoes, boycotts, trade policies and other coercive but
nonviolent measures. Criteria include:
C
Right
intention
C
Just
Cause
C
Legitimate
Authority
C
Last
Resort
C
Declaration
of war aims
C
Proportionality
C
Reasonable
chance of Success
Situation in Iraq
Disregard of just
war criteria has led to destabilization and continual crisis in area
Reconstruction
C
War,
sanctions and looting have left Iraq=s infrastructure in ruins.
C
World
Bank said $36b needed for reconstruction. US said additional $19b needed for
security and oil industry
C
International
pledges of $32b B over half by US
C
Only
$2.5b released by 9/2004, largely because security situation has not allowed
rebuilding to proceed. Over half
released
spent on security.
C
Iraq=s oil revenues unaccounted for.
Security
C
More
than 1,500 US troops killed
C
US
civilian deaths continue
C
No
official figures on Iraqi civilian deaths B
estimates are 15,000 to almost 100,000
C
Insurgency
problems continue.
Health
C
Medical
charities say health system in worse condition than before invasion
C
12% of
hospitals damaged during fighting
C
Two
public health laboratories destroyed
C
Until
1990 the Iraqi health system considered one of best in region, now has some of
worst health indicators
C
huge
rise in mortality rates.
C
About
1/4 of children die before reaching age of five.
Cost of Living
C
Unemployment
between 25% and 50%
C
25% of
population totally dependent on food rations (wheat, rice and beans, but no
meat, vegetables or fruit).
C
27% of
children under five said to be malnourished.
(UN)
C
Many
sell part of their ration to pay for other needs
C
Distribution
problems force people to buy essentials at black market prices.
C
Fuel
shortages mean those who can, buy black market petrol rather than queue up.
C
Prices
have risen since invasion
C
Earnings
for those working up dramatically
What Would Help
Such conditions cry
out for internationally brokered solutions
4/2005