Just war theory is a doctrine of military ethics, rooted in the work of St. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas, that provides a framework to determine if a war is morally justifiable. It sets strict conditions—jus ad bellum (just reasons for war) and jus in bello (just conduct during war)—to limit destruction and prevent the unnecessary loss of life.
· Jus ad Bellum (Going to War):
o Just Cause: War must defend against an attack or prevent significant harm.
o Right Authority: War must be declared by a legitimate, sovereign government.
o Right Intention: The goal must be to secure a just peace, not vengeance or conquest.
o Last Resort: All diplomatic and peaceful options must be exhausted.
o Reasonable Hope: Success must be realistically achievable to prevent wasteful bloodshed.
o Proportionality: The good achieved by the war must outweigh the destruction it causes.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org
· Jus in Bello (Conduct in War):
o Discrimination/Non-combatant Immunity: Soldiers must avoid targeting civilians and minimize collateral damage.
o Proportionality: The force used should be proportionate to the objective and not cause excessive harm.
· Jus post Bellum (Justice After War): Covers the requirements for a just, lasting peace after the conflict, including the fair treatment of the defeated party.
The theory, which blends classical and theological traditions, aims to prevent war from becoming a "blank check for violence" and to guide decision-making in international conflicts. It serves as a moral, and often legal, framework—influencing international law—that tries to restrain war and distinguish it from murder or genocide.
Does Israel or the U.S. follow the above? No! J.D. Vance (a newborn Catholic) and Donald Trump think otherwise. Ignorance is bliss. They also wage war against the Pope. And Pope Leo XIV is a member of the Order of St. Augustine – the first from the Order to be elected Pope. He has degrees in Mathematics and Philosophy. And subsequently completed a doctorate.
Both Vance and Trump are out of depth, while Pete Hegseth conducts himself like a modern day crusader (righteous violence). Recently, he quoted from the movie "Pulp Fiction" and thought it was from the Bible. Fabricated from a real biblical verse!
Cardinal Robert McElroy of Washington DC said the U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran had failed the just war criteria. For over 1,000 years the Catholic church has taught just-war theory. A nation can only take up the sword in self-defence and once all peace efforts have failed.
The U.S. administration has not made a coherent and acceptable case for the just war theory. It was the same in Iraq, Libya, Syria, Afghanistan, Vietnam and many more! Stop the war now!
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