The just war theory was started and controlled by a competent & legal authority. There intentions had to be right, the intent must be to promote the cause of good and avoid evil. In this theory, war must be the last resort; all other ways of solving the problem must have been tried. There should be a reasonable probability of success and reasonable proportion between the injustice suffered and the death and suffering the war will bring.
“Should the Un have invaded Iraq”? The argument for this is that Saddam Hussein did not respect Kuwait’s territory- Iraq forces used aggression against a small and defenseless country. Military attacks were the only successful way to ensure that Iraqi’s were removed from Iraq. If Saddam Hussein had not been stopped he could have been further encouraged to act aggressively around the world. The UN had tried all other methods to remove Saddam Hussein from Kuwait.
My argument against the Gulf war is, the sanctions that the United Nations imposed should have been given more time to work. Iraq about 41 million a day in lost oil income. There were reports that the country had almost run out of wheat and had been forced to shut down many of its industries. The UN should have given more time for Iraq’s removal or try a different approach. Secondly, and most importantly, the war caused massive human suffering with many soldiers and civilians losing their lives or suffering serious disabilities. Seventy five percent of the civilians, who had lost their lives or were suffering as a result of the war, were children. Finally, environmental disasters occurred as Iraq blew up Kuwait’s oil wells.
Others hold the opposite view against my own. They believe the Gulf War was a just war. They argue that Saddam Hussein did not respect Kuwait’s territory- Iraq forces used aggression against small and defenseless country. They also argue military attacks were the only successful way to ensure that Iraqis were removed from Iraq. Also, if Saddam Hussein has not been stopped he could have been further encouraged to act aggressively around the world. He could have even become a second Hitler, using his chemical and biological weapons. Finally, they argue the UN had tried all other methods to remove Saddam Hussein from Kuwait.
I believe the arguments ‘for’ the war are wrong and my argument is better. It is obvious to see how much suffering and pain the war has caused. The UN should have given Iraq more time or try a different approach, instead of war. It would be unlikely he would be another Hitler form past experiences and other country powers. Although Kuwait is a small and defenseless country the UN should not have to gone to war and kill thousands of civilians, including children. As a result of the war the country had almost run out of wheat, which left unable to feed themselves.
In conclusion, I feel the Gulf War was not a just war. The United Nations should have given Iraq more time or try a different approach against Saddam Hussein. It was not fair thousands of civilians lost their lives as a result of one mans actions. This was not a war against Saddam Hussein; in trying to remove Saddam Hussein from Kuwait the UN killed many innocent people. The war was so sever its affects still continue today.