Editorial

Iraq war: President has not made the case

President George W. Bush has been meeting with members of Congress and international leaders trying to drum up support for an invasion of Iraq.

So far I don't think he has succeeded in mounting a convincing argument in favor of this war. The United States does need to have the backing of its own politicians and world leaders before it confronts Saddam Hussein.

Hussein presents dangers. Yes, Hussein is dangerous. He's a dictator who has sacrificed his own people's well-being to become a military power. He threatens to produce weapons of mass destruction, although he apparently does not have all the material at this point to assemble these weapons.

Obviously, George W. Bush wants to finish the work begun by his father in ridding the world of Hussein. Yet even officials from the previous Bush administration are skeptical about attempting to invade Iraq at this time. It is estimated that the war would require 250,000 troops. If the U.S. does not muster support from other nations, most of those soldiers would be Americans.

Do we want two wars? Remember, we're still committed to a war in Afghanistan. A report airing on National Public Radio Sept. 9 reminded us that the war there is far from over. Although our first year in Afghanistan was fairly successful, the reporter noted this was typical of previous conflicts. Russia, for example, started out with some success but left Afghanistan after years of occupation without a victory.

The same could happen in Iraq. Are we prepared to commit troops to two trouble spots in addition to all the other possible conflicts that could erupt in the world?

Consider moral issues. There are also many moral issues to consider in a war against Iraq. The U.S. is still enforcing an embargo of Iraq, which has caused much suffering for the Iraqi people, many of whom are innocent victims. A war would lead to even more "collateral damage." What a terrible euphemism!

I join with many Catholic leaders who are calling for the United States to continue diplomatic efforts with Iraq through the United Nations and other avenues. The Adrian Dominican Sisters, for example, released a statement recently saying, "We strongly and unreservedly oppose as immoral the initiation of a war with Iraq. An unprovoked attack by the United States would betray our nation's moral principles and heritage to a degree that is unconscionable."

Catholic teaching is clear. "All citizens and all governments are obliged to work for the avoidance of war," says the Catechism of the Catholic Church (par. 2308). Only after all peace efforts have failed can governments wage war for "legitimate defense."

President Bush has not convinced me that we have exhausted all efforts for peace. Until he makes the case, our country should not wage war in Iraq.

Mary C. Uhler, editor

Readers' Comments

	Mailbag policy We reserve the right to edit or reject letters. Limit letters to 200 words or less. All letters must be signed. Send letters to: Mailbag The Catholic Herald P.O. Box 44985 Madison, WI 53744-4985 Fax: 608-821-3071 E-mail: info@madisoncatholicherald.org

Editor's note: In the 8-29-02 issue of The Catholic Herald, readers were asked to submit their thoughts on how they think the world has changed since Sept. 11, 2001, what we have learned since then, and how they will commemorate the first-year anniversary of the attacks. Below are some of their responses.

Although the events of Sept. 11 were the result of hate, nothing but love has come forth since then.

The attacks made us reassess the way we talk about evil, and also how fortunate we are to have one another. I will commemorate 9-11 by praying for the victims, their families, and all who promote peace in the world. I will also do my best to be a peacemaker in my thoughts and actions.

"Revenge is mine sayeth the Lord." The Blessed Mother's warnings are prayer and penance will win over politics. Mary Queen of all nations, pray for us.

Since 9-11 I think it was a wake-up call to all of us to pray and appreciate the wonderful blessings we have. Families and people in general are more considerate of each other. I will commemorate the first anniversary by praying for world peace and remembering those who have died. God bless America.

We want legal abortion, euthanasia, death penalty. Why is the tragedy of Sept. 11 such a shock? We take lives every day. We are terrorists. What I will do on Sept. 11 is quietly pray for all of us living and dead. Nothing is really changed. God still intervenes.