University professors made an emotional and academically oriented case against a unilateral U.S. war with Iraq Tuesday at a teach-in titled “Is War Necessary?”
The event, sponsored by the University’s Concerned Faculty for Peace and Justice, featured five speakers, including University professors and ASUO President Rachel Pilliod. Students and community members filled the EMU Ballroom and surrounding overflow rooms to hear the speakers as they covered many aspects of the Iraq conflict.
“I am not a pacifist,” geography Professor Alec Murphy said. “I respect those who are, but I believe there are times when force cannot be avoided.
“Having said these things, I also believe that force should be a response of last resort and should only be used after the most careful assessment of options and consequences.”
After a brief explanation of Iraq’s history and the potential effects of launching a war, Murphy concluded that an attack on Iraq would lead to more insecurity for the lives of “everyday Americans” and foster more anti-Americanism.
A poster was also hung in the ballroom lobby so attendees could comment on the conflict.
“Iraq soldiers bleed and Iraqi families grieve, just as we do,” wrote one person.
Another attendee wrote that he was a U.S. Marine and offered his reasoning.
“When I have to do my job, the politicians have failed.”
Physics Professor Gregory Bothun used his time at the podium to demonstrate America’s dependence on oil and how it affects foreign policy.
According to Bothun, U.S. reliance on foreign oil — currently about 50 percent — is increasing because of a growing consumption rate in America.
“This is not rocket science — if we consume more, we need more foreign oil,” he said.
Bothun suggested that more fuel-efficient cars and research into alternative fuel sources would reduce America’s need for foreign oil, which he says adversely affects its foreign policy.
Political science Assistant Professor Jane Cramer said attacking Iraq because of Saddam Hussein’s alleged connection to terrorism would be a mistake.
“We have to evaluate what kind of connection (Hussein) would possibly want,” she said.
Cramer added it is unlikely that al-Qaida — which is a fundamentalist group — would support a secular ruler like Hussein. She said al-Qaida would love for the United States to topple Hussein because a fundamentalist leader would likely be elected in his place.
Law Associate Professor Ibrahim Gassama shared two general observations he had made about
the conflict.
First, Gassama said there
is widespread consensus that Iraq has violated international law over many years, specifically U.N.
resolutions.
Second, Gassama said although the Bush administration was on the right track in seeking U.N. support, their current policy against Iraq is threatening peace.
Shortly after the main presentations, discussion groups were held in the EMU so teach-in attendees could talk about issues discussed. Many students stayed to participate in the group discussions.
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