Jerry ZurekMonday marked the third anniversary of the war in Iraq. Politicians and analysts have all chimed in on our presence in Iraq and the issues surrounding it, but what do people really think about the war in Iraq now, after three years of effort? Several students offered their views on the war in Iraq and on what the future of this war holds for America forces.
“I think they should come back… we did all we can to help Iraq become a better country …our troops being there don’t serve a purpose there,” said Allison Gidich, a sophomore exercise science major
Many have expressed the same sentiments. American lives are certainly the most important part of this war. Is our continued presence their worth the lives of American troops? How many troops are we willing to commit to this war?
“Because we are in the war, we need to fight it and support our country.
Thinking realistically we aren’t going to get out of it so we need to fight it, win it and move on,” said Danielle Rechner, a senior elementary education major.
Recently the threat of civil war has been looming over Iraq. Insurgents have been fighting constantly and many already feel the country has descended into civil war. Can we really prevent civil war in Iraq? Can we make Iraq a stable and democratic state?
“I feel that for the United States to help Iraq find any real solution, they need to let Iraq take more action on behalf of their own country. If splitting the country equally helps to ease the tension in Iraq, then it sounds amazing, but I feel that we need to let Iraq make that choice,” said Christina D’Amelio, a junior psychology major
Another question to consider is the benefits of the war in Iraq. Has the war in Iraq done anything good for America? Will creating democracy in Iraq ensure the future safety of America?
“I mean we need to protect our country, and if fighting this war is going to do that then we need to get it done,” said Rechner
There is also the possibility of other conflicts that could dwarf the war in Iraq in the coming years. Will we know then if we should leave or stay? We will deal with these other conflicts, or ignore them and focus on Iraq?
“I think there are better places Washington can involve themselves, in more of a humanitarian way, like the issues facing Darfur in Sudan,” said D’Amelio
The future of Iraq is clearly uncertain to both professional analysts and average citizens. The country will be forced to answer many of these questions in the very near future and deal with many of these issues. The only sure answer we have is that the war in Iraq will continue to generate more tough questions for the future.
