Iraq War & Just War

One of the benchmarks for meeting the criteria for a just war—blogged about here—under Catholic teaching is: “there must be serious prospects of success”.

One of the major benchmarks of success for our going to war in Iraq is the growth of a democratic government able to handle its own affairs and serve as a stable democracy in the often turbulent Middle East.

According to this remarkable article by the Iraqi ambassador to the US, that is occurring, and we should feel the same great sense of pride as he does, in the work of the Iraqi people.

OPINION
Iraq's National Identity Is Alive and Growing
By SAMIR SUMAIDA'IE
April 10, 2008; Page A15

Five years after Saddam Hussein was toppled from power, Iraq and the U.S. face important choices for their future relationship – choices that will have profound long-term ramifications for both countries.

Iraq, freed from a ruthless dictatorship, has chosen plurality, democracy and federalism as a system of government. It is struggling to implement them against a formidable set of internal and external challenges. The leaders of the new Iraq must further demonstrate resolve to defend their choices and rise above parochial interests.

Having intervened and committed itself so deeply, the U.S. is debating the level and cost of its engagement. I submit that it cannot afford to lose this fight to its enemies. The destinies of the U.S. and Iraq have become intertwined and their national interests very closely linked.

The big test for Iraq is to find the necessary internal accommodations between competing political interests, enabling the country to keep outside interference at bay and ensure its internal cohesion and national unity. The big test for the U.S. is to maintain its resolve while adjusting its tactics and policies to achieve success in Iraq.

Those who see only serious problems within the Iraqi government and society miss the point. Iraqis are the first to admit to their shortcomings. What is important is that they are determined to overcome them. They also know it will be a long and painful process of incremental progress, punctuated by setbacks.

Those who argue that Iraq is fractured and hopelessly broken – a Humpty Dumpty that can never be put together again – are wrong. Many countries have experienced great difficulties and emerged united and strong. Iraqi national identity has been weakened, but it is alive and kicking, and will embarrass all of those who rushed to write its obituary.