In a paragraph of 5-7 sentences, choose two of the nations involved in the conflict and critique their actions. Are their actions justified or unjustified? Legal or illegal?

Question

Moral or immoral? How does the evidence in your sources support your critique?

Answer 1

In analyzing the actions of two nations involved in a conflict, let's consider the United States and Iran in the context of the recent tensions between them. The actions of the United States can be critiqued as unjustified, illegal, and potentially immoral. The assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in a targeted drone strike was seen as an unjustified act of aggression by many. The strike violated international law as it took place without the consent of the country in which it occurred. Furthermore, it raised concerns about possible violations of moral principles such as the right to life and the principle of non-intervention in the affairs of other nations. Numerous global voices, including the United Nations, condemned the action as an escalation of conflict and a breach of international norms.

On the other hand, Iran's actions, such as launching missile attacks on US military bases in Iraq as a response, can also be critiqued. While Iran argued that its actions were legitimate self-defense, there are debates about whether they were indeed necessary or proportional. Some experts argue that Iran's attacks went beyond legitimate defensive actions and crossed into the territory of aggression, making them unjustified and illegal under international law. Additionally, targeting military bases resulted in civilian casualties, which raises questions about the moral consequences of such actions.

Evidence from various sources, including media reports and global reactions, supports the critique of both nations. The international community's response to the US strike on Soleimani and the subsequent condemnation of Iran's missile attacks highlight the perceived violation of legal and moral standards. Furthermore, analysis by legal experts and scholars in international relations point to the breach of international law in both cases. The complexity of the situation underscores the importance of considering multiple perspectives and sources of information when evaluating the justifiability, legality, and morality of the actions taken by nations involved in a conflict.