After five years in Iraq,
pre-war concerns justified

In the Catholic Herald issue of January 30, 2003, I wrote an editorial entitled: "Iraq war: President still hasn't made the case." At that time President George W. Bush had not convinced me that we needed to invade Iraq.

	Editor's View Mary C. Uhler

In 2003 polls showed that a majority of Americans agreed with me. President Bush had not made his case for military conflict in Iraq.

Also five years ago, Pope John Paul II made strong appeals for peace in Iraq. On Sunday, Jan. 26, 2003, the Holy Father watched as two doves were released from his window over St. Peter's Square in Rome. The pope said the doves were a symbol "offering everybody a message of fraternity and hope."

Terrible toll of war in Iraq

Yet, despite public opinion and entreaties from the Holy Father and other world leaders, the United States did invade Iraq in March of 2003. At first, it seemed as if we had achieved victory over the government of Saddam Hussein. But after five years and so many deaths, I realize our concerns about the justification for going to war in Iraq were fulfilled.

A recent poll shows that two-thirds of U.S. Catholics believe the war in Iraq was not worth the loss of American lives and other costs.

Catholic Church leaders have decried the death and destruction caused by the war. In 2006, Bishop William S. Skylstad, then president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a "Call for Dialogue and Action on Responsible Transition in Iraq." This statement is still an excellent summary of Catholic teaching on the war and provides some basic benchmarks for a transition.

Bishop Skylstad calls the situation in Iraq "perilous" and he laments the "terrible toll" on the Iraqi people and U.S. military personnel, as well as on the region, nation, and world. "The war's costs are measured in lives lost and many more injured, in widespread sectarian strife, civil insurgency and terrorist attacks, and in the daily struggles of Iraqis to build a decent future for their devastated nation," the bishop says.

Benchmarks for a responsible transition

What should we do to extricate ourselves from Iraq? Bishop Skylstad suggests that the United States' military forces should remain in Iraq "only as long as their presence contributes to a responsible transition."

Benchmarks for a responsible transition he lists include: fostering adequate levels of security; curbing wanton killings, terrorist attacks, and sectarian violence; strengthening the basic rule of law; promoting economic reconstruction to create employment and economic opportunity for Iraqis; and supporting further development of political structures and solutions that advance stability, political participation, and respect for religious freedom and basic human rights.

Ultimately, this work must be done by the Iraqis, emphasizes Bishop Skylstad. The United States must encourage other countries in the region and the international community to help.

The power of prayer

We can't overlook the power of prayer. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has called upon all Catholics to pray daily for the safety of those serving in the armed forces, for the Iraqi people, and for a peaceful transition. As I said in 2003, prayer can move mountains and it should be our first action.

What else can we do? I suggest concerned citizens can contact President Bush directly with a letter (The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20500), phone call (comment line: 202-456-1111), or e-mail (comments@whitehouse.gov). Encourage him to work with Congress on solutions, draw down U.S. troops in Iraq, and continue to empower Iraqis to govern their own nation.

Mailbag

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Tribute to Chiara Lubich

To the editor:

The news of the death of Chiara Lubich (Catholic Herald, March 20 [print edition only]) is painful. It is with sadness and humility that I write this tribute to that special lady who passed away March 14 at the age of 88.

Chiara Lubich is the founder of the Focolare movement, an Italian Christian group, which started in 1943 in the midst of the destruction during World War II. The movement has spread to various parts of the world. Chiara and the movement have made profound ecumenical impact on fostering dialog among the various Christian, non-Christian, Jewish, and Muslim groups. The movement has also been active in evangelizing and effecting change in economic, social, and political justice in many nations.

I first saw Chiara and became involved in the movement in the mid-'60s when the Focolare established a hospital and a post primary institution in Fontem, Cameroon. I have followed up with interest and admiration the works of Chiara and the Focolare. Chiara was to the Fontem people as Mother Teresa was to the people of Calcutta.

The Fontem people gave Chiara a traditional title because of her charisma and good works. They named her "Mafua Ndem" - translated as a queen in God's Royal Court. The work of Focolare in Fontem, as in other parts of the developing world, has lead to rapid sustainable development with many economic and social benefits for the people.

My tribute to "Mafua Ndem" is an appeal for religious tolerance, Christian love, and unity for a new world. Chiara worked towards these ideals all her life. May her soul rest in peace and may her works of love for ecumenical outreach continue to flourish.

John Nkemnji, Madison