Just War Theory Applied to US Policy in Pakistan and Yemen

Since 911, the United States has been involved in numerous conflicts, both declared and undeclared. As these conflicts have lingered, especially those in Pakistan and Yemen, there has been an increase in dialog concerning the legality and justness of the conflicts as well as the methods used therein. The lack of neutral journalism in the remote areas of Pakistan and Yemen has only added to the speculation, as reports emerge of airstrikes killing non-combatants. Many fear unforeseen ethical, military, and political implications that may emerge from the use of covert RPA strikes. This monograph postulates that the question of legality is easily answered by referring to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1368, but the question of justness is much more elusive. Just War Theory, representing two thousand years of precedence, offers a unique and holistic approach that can dissect US policy in Pakistan and Yemen, providing insight into each conflict. By looking at the justness of the cause of war Jus ad Bellum, conduct in war Jus in Bello, and end of war process Jus post Bellum, Just War Theory provides a comprehensive approach that, if used as a heuristic, can provide governments a just path to follow. In the cases of Pakistan and Yemen, the monograph concludes the United States has a just cause, appears to be fighting justly, but falls short of just war in the end.