Professors show full range of opinions in Iraq conflict

In several interviews with the Daily, Tufts professors have revealed mixed opinions over the necessity and justification for military action in Iraq.

As the prospect of war becomes closer, opposition is growing on campus. Members of the Tufts Coalition to Oppose the War on Iraq (TCOWI) have asked professors to suspend classes if war begins in order to participate in a teach-in at Goddard Chapel. The organization has also organized several antiwar rallies on campus in past months, as the antiwar movement has strengthened nationally. In addition, over 40 professors, over 12 percent of the faculty, signed a petition denouncing the war.

Fletcher School professor Jeswald Salacuse argued that military intervention by the United States is necessary given the circumstances. "The issue is, has Saddam been forthcoming? I think the answer is no. He has weapons programs which he has not revealed, and given the circumstances he would continue to develop and use them," Salacuse said. "Unless [Saddam] does come clean -- and I don't think he will -- we'll have to make a decision as to whether it's more risky to let him continue or to intervene."

Though, professors were quick to point out that the war was not necessarily going to be a quick victory. "With so many variables, it would be foolhardy to predict with confidence whether they [the United States military] can do it or not," Associate Professor of Political Science Malik Mufti said.

"I really don't think that anybody thinks a war of occupation is going to be easy or bloodless," Mufti said. "But Americans are genuinely going to try to minimize civilian casualties and even the Iraqi army, aiming to decapitate the regime at the top while minimizing damage to the infrastructure and country."

However, some professors complain that war will not prove to be an effective solution. "It's not a good idea, at all," said Leila Fawaz, director of the Center of Eastern Mediterranean Studies. A native of Lebanon, Fawaz has seen war and its destruction in close quarters. "I have never seen war solve any problems in the region," she said.

Despite divergent beliefs, professors agree that conflict is inevitable in some form. "It seems to be a done deal. They are going to get involved," Mufti said.

Salacuse agreed. "Unless there's some big change of heart in Baghdad, we will intervene within the next two months."

In spite of promises of war Fawaz remains skeptical, convinced that best solution is a more gradual one. "Long-term, stop supporting dictators in a region, and impose peace. If [the United States military] want to flex muscle, they have to do it systematically," Fawaz said.

Fawaz went on to criticize the timing of the operation. "The image of the United States as an honest broker is severely under criticism right now," she said. As a person who left the Middle East for the freedoms of America, the recent "complete hysteria" amongst Americans has been especially concerning.

"Universities are the only place left where there is a reasonable dialogue among people," Fawaz said. "The only way to the future is a dialogue, not telling people what is right and wrong."