How Just Is the War on Terror? : A Question of Morality

This timely and important book is about ethics and military action in the age of terrorism. The book examines both general ethical considerations relevant to war as well as current United States and Coalition operations in Iraq. Author Eileen Flynn analyzes the ethics of military action in the age of terrorism. She makes a straightforward, jargon-free case that the importance of ethical training for those who join the military cannot be overestimated?since people must live with the ethical choices they make. Dr. Flynn argues that it is crucial for young men and women to understand the importance of adhering to the just war tradition. HOW JUST IS THE WAR ON TERROR? traces the development of the just war tradition and goes on to consider such questions as: ?Is the individual soldier free to act according to his or her own conscience in a war, or are they required to show unconditional obedience to the commanding officers? ?How do the Rules of Engagement governing the conduct of war measure up to the criteria of the just war tradition? ?How should we evaluate the war on terror and the conduct of individual soldiers in the light of just war criteria? This book is must reading for general readers, students, and men and women in uniform. It well help readers to understand the ethical implications of elective wars against nations suspected of supporting terrorism. The discussion questions and case studies that supplement each chapter invite thoughtful engagement. Flynn takes on the most troubling moral issues of our times in a treatment that is both is thorough and evenhanded.

Eileen P. Flynn a professor at Saint Peter's College, Jersey City