OPPapers.com

A Critical Analyis

Just War – or a Just War" & "Peace isn't Possible in the Face of Evil"

In March of 2003 war seemed to be on the horizon for the United States due to a struggle in relations with the Iraqi regime and as a result of the terrorist attacks on 9/11. For many a struggle came with the bleak idea of war, whether the U.S. had the right to invade or if we are acting to rashly in moving into a war without out exhausting every other option of prevention. Along with many other two well know keepers of the peace in our time, two have stated their thoughts and reason for why we should or should not move into this war. Ex-President Jimmy Carter, who since his presidency is serving as a chair in the Carter Center and has won the Nobel Peace Prize submitted an article " Just War – or a Just War" to the New York Times conveying his opinion that the war in Iraq is an unnecessary one. On the other end Holocaust survivor and also Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel contributed a piece to the LA Times entitled " Peace Isn't Possible in Evils Face" demonstrating his support for the current war.
Both articles by fellow peace prize recipients demonstrate a justifiable reason for war based on their experience and participation in historical events, maybe being the most convincing parts of their articles. In "Just War – or a Just War" Carter uses his experience as President of the United States to convey a sense of authority and knowledge on why a war should be entered into.   A large point in his defense is the criteria that is a requirement of our nation to be met in order to engage in military conflict. He states that "Commitments have been predicated on basic religious principles, respect for international law, and alliances that resulted in wise decisions and mutual restraint. Our apparent determination to launch a war against Iraq, without international support, is a violation of these premises."(Carter pg 259) That point was used in order put a sense of defiance to rest of the...