Psychological effects of Gulf war examined

Several Philadelphia-area experts discussed the situation in the Persian Gulf Thursday in Provost's Tower, in a discussion intended to force students to think about the psychological needs of U.S., Israeli, and Iraqi citizens. William Geiger, a counselor at the University Counseling Service, said that students who asked for counseling were often worried about the effects of the war or felt guilty about being so protected from the war in a college environment. Kahled Blankinship, a religious studies professor at Temple University, spoke next and said that many Muslim Americans, including himself, are critical of U.S. policy in the Persian Gulf. "The war was opposed by 90 percent of the Muslims, if not more," Blankinship said. Blankinship compared the United States to the Roman Empire, saying the United States has tried to dominate the world and interfere whenever and wherever it wants to in its own self-interest. "[Iraqi President] Saddam Hussein's bullheaded idiocy is to be condemned," said Blankinship. However, he added, "America has control and is responsible for all that happened." Blankinship said that Saddam invaded Kuwait as a cure for Iraq's economic problems, because of U.S. encouragement over the border dispute, and a need to show off to the Arab world. He explained that U.S. forces became involved "due to a missionless military" with the Cold War over, and because men felt a need to prove themselves after being defeated by the feminist movement. Paul Wolpe, a sociology lecturer, disputed Blankinship's explanation for U.S. involvement. Wolpe said that Bush pushed for war because a strong external enemy will unite the American people. He said that former President Ronald Reagan searched unsuccessfully for such an enemy during his term. The panel spent the bulk of the time answering questions from the 21 people attending the program. Geiger responded to a question about the psychological casulties of the war by saying that they will resemble those of Vietnam, but probably be less severe. Wolpe said that the war might strengthen the relationship between Arabs and Americans, since the Kuwaiti people were given a positive image throughout the war. But Blankinship felt that the war was too short to have any real effect. Audience members said they were pleased with the program. "It was very informative, I thought the timing was interesting," College sophomore Amy Pezzillo said. College junior Addison Snell said he was surprised the program was not cancelled since the war had ended. The program was sponsored by Spruce Street House in the Quadrangle.

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.