In toppling the regime of Saddam Hussein we made certain commitments, implicit at first, explicit after the first few months, that we would restore order and promote democracy in Iraq. For America now to “tire” of its commitment and abandon people who have relied on us would be grossly immoral. By all reports, Iran would move in to protect the Shiites, Turkey would undoubtedly move on the Kurds, and there would likely be large-scale bloodshed.

I would be ashamed of my country if America withdrew. It would be a dishonor on the scale of agreeing to give back to the Soviets parts of occupied territories after World War II that housed many who had fled Stalinist persecutions. Hundreds of thousands were massacred after the Soviets recovered those territories.

Another occasion was when our government ceased aid to South Vietnam; the sight of Marine helicopters coming in to take people off the roof of the embassy is burned in my consciousness forever.

As one who has wrestled with the just war decision for decades, I am convinced that applying the spirit of the just war position to the present situation in Iraq compels us to remain until some semblance of order is restored and human life can be protected.