A Critique of Valls’ Interpretation of Just War Theory

In light of recent events and the current “war on terrorism” it seems critical to move away from political rhetoric and approach the issue with as much reasonable objectivity as possible. The central question that Andrew Valls attempts to answer is weather terrorism can be justified. He argues that it can in some cases when measured against just war theory. Just war theory sets moral limits on the waging of war while justifying its legitimacy. …

…they must be very precise in their targeting. It can be concluded that the argument that Valls presents is sound and defensible. However it must be stated that the overwhelming majority of acts committed by nonstate groups fail to meet the stringent requirements of just war theory, especially discrimination. Finally it can be argued that most wars do not satisfy just war requirements, especially if one dismisses the morality of the principle of double effect.