What Constitutes a Just War?

My good friend, the right reverend, Michael Estes (by the way, check out his recent post on evolution, Christianity, and civil rights), e-mailed me seven criteria for a just war that made up one day while laying on his hammock. They are as follows,

1. Right or legitimate authority - In other words, don't follow Hitler into war.
2. Just cause
3. Right Intention - Go to war to bring about peace.
4. Last Resort - All other measures of diplomacy have been exhausted.
5. Proportionality - Use only enough force to win, don't annihilate the enemy just defeat them.
6. Reasonable chance of success (Luke 14:31)
7. Minimize the neagtive effects - in your country and theirs

The question I will seek to answer, based on these primeses, is, "Did the US go to war with Iraq on just war terms?" Keep in mind these are answers to this question at the time of the invasion of Iraq, c. March, 2003.

1. Right or Legitimate authority - I believe at the time GWBush provided this.

2. Just Cause - I believe that existed as well, at the time. Now...not sure.

3. Right Intention - Yes, we did go to war to bring about peace to the region.

4. Last Resort - All other measures of diplomacy had more then been exhausted.

5. Proportionality - The US is guilty of abiding by this premise in too many ways, unfortunately.

6. Reasonable Chance of Success - I would say so.

7. Minimize the negative Effects - Yes, the US tried.

However, as time has ticked, and we are still in Iraq, I would say that #2 (Just Cause) is debatable. It has now been readily argued that there were no WMDs in Iraq and that issue was one of the main driving points for invasion.

Also, #6, as Michael points out, is pretty up in the air as well.