Thursday, September 6, 2007

Pre-emptive (Preventive) War Remains Immoral

A disturbing development has taken place with respect to making war in the 21st. century. Since the immoral invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the promulgation of the so-called "Bush Doctrine" influential members of both US political parties have virtually en-masse accepted the notion of preventive war otherwise known as offensive war(s) of aggression. Until then, offensive war was deemed immoral and illegal under international law e.g. the UN Charter and the entire doctrinal corpus of Just War Theory as well. All but two of the present aspirants for President in 2008 have indicated their support for this radical departure from classical moral principles with respect to waging war. Moreover, the most enthusiastic supporters of the concept from each political party respectively are those who at present have the highest standing in the polls--Clinton, Obama, Edwards and Giuliani, McCain and Romney. This strongly suggests that the next American President will continue the preventive (immoral) war policy of George W. Bush et al.

Barring a tremendous outpouring of protest on the part of Americans, it appears the Bush administration is poised to initiate another war of aggression, this time against Iran. Since the presence of the United States in Iraq is illegal and immoral to begin with, and since Iran represents no existential threat to the US; any such attack would be both immoral and illegal under international law--numerous relevant documents/stipulations of which the US has willingly signed and agreed to abide by.

If the United States has no intention of adhering to its international agreements with regard to war and peace, she should withdraw from them rather than continue what amounts to a charade and miscarriage of justice. Such a course would be regrettable but intellectually honest.

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