|
|
 |
|
CNS Story:
|
IRAQ-WENSKI Jan-12-2006 (790 words) With photo to come. xxxn
Bishop says U.S. 'is at a crossroads in Iraq'
By Jerry Filteau
Catholic News Service
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- "Our nation is at a crossroads in Iraq," Bishop Thomas G. Wenski of Orlando, Fla., chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on International Policy, said Jan. 12.
In a 3,600-word statement Bishop Wenski called for "serious and civil discussions" on what the United States must do to prepare for "a responsible transition" to full Iraqi self-rule.
"Our nation's military forces should remain in Iraq only as long as it takes for a responsible transition, leaving sooner rather than later," he said.
Sharply criticizing the "shrill and shallow debate that distorts reality and reduces the options to 'cut and run' versus 'stay the course,'" Bishop Wenski instead urged "serious and civil discussions of alternatives that emphasize planning for a responsible transition in Iraq."
He called for "clearer signals that the goals of U.S. policy are to help Iraqis assume full control of their governance and not to occupy the nation for an indeterminate period." The U.S. government should declare that the presence of U.S. troops in Iraq "must be an Iraqi decision that respects the needs and sovereignty of the Iraqi people," he said.
"Despite past missteps and current difficulties, our nation urgently needs to seek to broaden international support and participation in the stabilization and reconstruction of Iraq," he added. He said this will require giving up some U.S. control and "giving international partners and allies a real voice and real responsibilities."
Bishop Wenski recalled the strong opposition of church leaders to the U.S. intervention in Iraq three years ago.
"It is well known that our bishops' conference repeatedly expressed grave moral concerns about the military intervention in Iraq and the unpredictable and uncontrollable negative consequences of an invasion and occupation," he wrote.
"Similar concerns were articulated powerfully by Pope John Paul II and the Holy See," he said. "The events of the past three years, the absence of evidence of weapons of mass destruction and the continuing violence and unrest in Iraq have reinforced those ethical concerns. ... Our conference remains highly skeptical of the concept of 'preventive war.'"
With the invasion, however, came "a new set of moral responsibilities," he said, and the central moral question for the United States now "is not just the timing of U.S. withdrawal, but rather the nature and extent of U.S. and international engagement that allows for a responsible transition to security and stability for the Iraqi people."
He said the current situation in Iraq poses a number of "challenges" to the United States and the Iraqi people, among them:
-- "Terrorism and our response to it.
-- "The violation of the human rights of persons in the custody of U.S. and Iraqi forces.
-- "Threats to religious liberty and religious minorities in Iraq.
-- "The plight of refugees.
-- "Meeting other responsibilities of our nation."
He reiterated the position spelled out by the bishops' Administrative Committee in 2002, that a key part of the war on terrorism is a sustained commitment to overcoming poverty, conflict and injustice around the world, eliminating the conditions of hopelessness in which terrorism can thrive.
He called the reports of violations of human rights of detainees in U.S. or Iraqi custody "deeply disturbing."
"Such abuse undercuts our nation's moral credibility and damages our nation's ability to win popular support in other countries. ... As a world leader, our nation's adherence to international standards ought to be exemplary," he said.
He reiterated concerns expressed by Iraqi Christian leaders over "conflicting provisions" in the Iraqi Constitution on religious rights and urged U.S. efforts to assure the protection of Iraq's religious minorities in both law and practice.
He called U.S. policy toward Iraqi refugees and asylum seekers "too restrictive," and in particular he urged the U.S. government to "designate Iraqi religious minorities as a group of special concern" and to "eliminate current restrictions on family reunification eligibility."
While recognizing the "major commitment of human and financial resources" demanded by U.S. involvement in Iraq, Bishop Wenski said, "Iraq cannot become an excuse for ignoring other pressing needs at home and abroad, especially our moral responsibilities toward the poor in our own nation and in developing countries."
Addressing the U.S. troops in Iraq, he said, "Our conference wants to be clear. Raising grave moral questions regarding the decision to invade Iraq is not to question the moral integrity of those serving in the military. Expressing moral questions regarding the treatment of U.S. prisoners and detainees is not to question the professional integrity of the vast majority of those on deployment. In fact, asking difficult questions is a patriotic and moral duty that reflects our values and serves the best interests of our nation and those who serve it with honor."
END
Copyright (c) 2006 Catholic News Service/USCCB. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed.
CNS · 3211 Fourth St NE · Washington DC 20017 · 202.541.3250
|
|
|
|
