Philosophy Written Assignment 2

Assignment 3, Topic 1: Rules of Engagement (ROE) in New Baghdad City Due date: May 10th, 10 PM, through uLearn. You may turn it in earlier. Length: 2-3 pages, not including a Works Cited page

 

Topic: Chapter 8 (“Global Conflict”) divides “just war” theory into jus ad bello—that is, justice of going to war— and jus in bello—justice in the conduct of war (See p. 175). For this assignment, I want to concentrate on the second, in particular on when it is justified to open fire on a suspected enemy combatant (sometimes called “rules of engagement,” or ROE).

 

On July 12th, 2007, US soldiers in Apache helicopters were over New Baghdad City, Iraq, conducting a “sweep,” to look out for hostile enemy forces in the neighborhood, in advance of US ground troops that were heading in the same direction. During the operation, a number of men were seen on the streets, and soldiers in the helicopter fired their weapons, having suspected the men were hostile. To get a more detailed picture of what happened, you’ll need to watch the video a few times (see below).

 

Your response:

1) View the footage in the youtube link ( here  or below).

2) Find two or three written sources online that describe and comment on the incident.

3) Write a brief response of about 2-3 pages on whether the US forces were justified in opening fire on the Iraqi men below them. Use your research to supplement or balance your analysis, as appropriate.

4) Your response should evaluate their actions according to the three principles for the conduct of war described in your textbook: discrimination, proportionality, and military necessity (See pp. 182-184 in your textbook). As you make your evaluation, you will need to define and apply these concepts clearly and accurately. I recommend reviewing the textbook a few times before you start.

 

5) Include a Works Cited page in addition to the 2-3 pages of the essay.

The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rXPrfnU3G0