Jesuit magazine says U.S.-led war might strengthen terrorist groups

Published: 2004-02-05

ROME (CNS) -- By invading Iraq, threatening other Islamic nations and curtailing respect for human rights, particularly the rights of Muslims, the United States and its "war on terrorism" actually might strengthen terrorist movements, an influential Jesuit magazine said. La Civilta Cattolica, in an editorial reviewed by the Vatican Secretariat of State before publication, said the only way to combat terrorism is to strengthen the gathering and sharing of intelligence and to avoid "any political-military action which is -- or just seems to be -- directed toward an Islamic population." The editorial in the Feb. 7 edition of the Rome-based magazine was distributed Feb. 5 to journalists. "International terrorism is still alive and threatening," the magazine said. While recognizing the horror of terrorist acts -- particularly the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the United States -- and the obligation of nations to protect themselves, the magazine said the Bush administration is making fundamental errors that appear to strengthen terrorism.

Copyright (c) 2004 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .