As American and British troops have attacked Iraq, there are mixed feelings in UB not just about the war, but also about its motives and consequences. Many international students have expressed disapproval, indeed disillusion with the war. They are not convinced that President Bush and his administration are interested as much in liberating the Iraqi people as they are in securing their influence in Iraq. On the other hand, students who support the war reject that argument reinforcing that America’s greatest supplier of natural gas is Canada. A student from a developing country does not like the fact that the United States is “pulling out accounts” to convince countries to support them. Another student from Jordan expressed concern for the safety of his country, which neighbors Iraq and is dependent on its oil. In tune with the massive protests in their countries, European students feel that the war in Iraq is not justified, denouncing the allied forces’ decision to act without a UN approval of military action. This is going to cause problems, students elaborated, because Americans have ignored the opinions of the international community, including the majority of the American people. An Indian student believes that the belligerent nations are going to sponsor the war they are waging with Iraqi oil.
Other students feel good about the blow on terrorism that this war constitutes. They are convinced that Saddam Hussein recklessly violated human rights, and should not be allowed to manipulate his people and jeopardize the peace in his region. It is interesting to note that there are students who did not agree with the idea of going to war with Iraq, but are nevertheless supportive of it now as it is taking place. “Once we have attacked, we need to go through with it [the war]. We cannot waiver now”.
In general, UB students gave vivid personal examples as they spoke about the war, and heated debates can still be heard in the University dorm hallways until late in the night. In such a culturally diverse University, students make friends from every corner of the world and get a closer perspective on foreign countries. Therefore, as the war in Iraq unfolds, the overwhelming feeling in UB is one of understanding, even as students disagree with each other. All in UB are hopeful that the war will end soon, and that what comes after will justify the war, as much as this is possible.