Students Worried About a War

Visions of sugar plums aren't the only things dancing in the minds of Harvard students these days, as many say worries about war are putting a damper on their usual holiday cheer.

Anti-war activists have been protesting all fall, and this Thursday, Students Against War in the Middle East (SAWME) coordinated a rally and vigil in the Yard. Although none of the fall's protests have enjoyed overwhelming support, a series of informal interviews conducted yesterday suggest that the anti-war movement may have more support than the protests reveal.

At Adams House, traditionally known for its left-leaning residents, most students interviewed said they were skeptical about the intentions of both President Bush and Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

"It's like two people pushing against each other and each exerting the same amount of force," said Adams resident Lydia Z. Dyett '93. "If one person jumps off a little, he's going to lose, that's how Bush and Saadam are and it's horrible. I'm so afraid, I'm just so afraid of all this."

Some channelled their anger more directly at the United States.

Many students interviewed said they feel Bush is manipulating the situation for his own political gain, both in the United States and throughout the world. Many accused the president of trying to mask an economic and political struggle with moral justifications.

Above all, many students said, Americans should not die for oil.

"I really don't think there should be any military involvement by the United States," said Jill L. Hutchinson '91. "It's something out of our jurisdiction, out of our control. What really makes me angry now is that since the U.S. is losing economic power in the world we're trying to justify ourselves with military might."

"We're showing the world that America is a hypocrite," added Zaheer R. Ali '94. "The moral reasons Bush is giving are not legitimate...Again, America is in other people's business. Wherever they can stick their hands in, they go there and claim it's for some fundamental moral reason."

Still, some students stood by the president and the American show of force in Saudi Arabia. Among them was Winthrop resident Kirsten A. Blomberg '93, who said the United States has a moral objective in the Gulf.

"I think we should be there. I don't think it's only economic. I think [Hussein is] nuts and someone has to stand up to him and we're in the position to do so," Blomberg said.

"I don't think there will be a war, but we have to stand up for what we believe in, like values and stuff," Blomberg added.

"There's not anyone who wants to die, but there's an important moral principle at stake," said Rich J. Shah '94. "It's very important for the future world order that Saddam Hussein's agression doesn't go unchecked. The principle is having a world where you are safe from being invaded by countries that border you, that are stronger than you are."

Students, at the moment, do not seem particularly concerned about a draft. Most interviewed said they doubt Congress would ever call for one, especially since so many other nations can contribute troops.

But some students did have the draft on their minds, and many said they would not serve if called up for duty.

"I would try to evade it as much as I could," said Luis A. Nario '92 of Mather House. "I would never put my life in danger for my government's ideas or purposes. I would just not go."

One feeling most students do seem to share is skepticism. Most students interviewed said they think Saadam will remain in Kuwait, forcing a military confrontation.

"I kind of wish something would just happen," Blomberg said. "Waiting is the hardest part."