In February of this year, 60 scholars published an open letter to our European friends attempting to explain "What We Are Fighting For." This letter outlines a justification for the American war against the al Qaeda organization and other terrorist groups. The letter begins with an assertion of universal principles. Among these are:
- "all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights,"
- the "role of government is to protect and help foster the conditions for human flourishing,"
- religious freedom is an "inviolable right" and the "killing in the name of God is fundamentally contrary to faith in God."
The attacks against innocent civilians in the United States were not an attack on particular policies and actions. With respect to these, give-and-take and negotiation are at least possible. No. War was explicitly declared by al Qaeda years ago because the United States represents a free, prosperous and pluralistic society open to all faiths. This freedom and pluralism is an anathema to an all-too-large, angry portion of the Islamic World who in the words of the letter, "betray fundamental Islamic principles." We need not speculate on obscure motives for the attacks. Bin Laden was more than happy to characterize the "blessed attacks" as direct against the "head of world infidelity." The attacks were launched because of who we are, for what we believe, and for our unwillingness to conform to a demented, dehumanizing perversion of Islam.
War is a severe measure with profound consequences and ought not be entered into upon lightly, without due consideration. Like our forefathers who asserted that "a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires... [that we] should declare the causes which impel" our action, the signatories openly outline the moral justification for a war on terrorism. The letter notes the general acceptance of some version of the "Just War Theory" by persons of many faiths. A just war must be undertaken only as a last resort by a legitimate authority, must be proportional and moderate and directed against combatants, and must be likely to reduce suffering in the long run. It is in this context, that the war is explained and rationalized. There are really only two legitimate points of view. One is a complete pacifism: the argument that killing is never justified, even in mortal self-defense. The alternative is to embrace a Just War Theory.
