Over the past five weeks, global debates have erupted over the Bush administration's proposal to launch a military campaign to oust Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.
The Bush administration said Iraq has weapons of mass destruction that may be directed at the United States.
This vital debate has somewhat spilled over onto the ASU campus and business junior Kristin Ludwig said a war against Iraq is necessary.
"I think we need to go to war," Ludwig said.
In a speech Monday, Bush called Saddam "a murderous tyrant," who poses a threat to the United States.
Critics of the president's proposal, including many international allies, say the plan for war is too broad, and they are pushing to explore diplomatic solutions.
On Wednesday, Bush came closer to receiving approval to a resolution from Congress that would authorize military force against Iraq.
Congress is expected to pass the resolution next week.
When Ferron Dunham, a mass communications sophomore, heard about America's position on Iraq, he said he wasn't going to worry about it.
"I'm in my own ASU bubble…focused on my own life," Dunham said. "I'm a student, I don't need to worry about this."
As this international dilemma unfolds, ASU students such as Andi Morrison, a nursing junior, who doesn't believe a war with Iraq is going to happen, said she doesn't understand how current situations with Iraq will affect her.
"[America] always makes threats, but never follows through," Morrison said.
Egyptian citizen and pre-business sophomore, Hussein Azab, said it was time for the general public to think about the consequences of war.
"A war with Iraq could kill America's international relations," Azab said.
Azab added that the American people should take advantage of their ability to question the government.
"I come from a country where you can't question the government," Azab said.
Sociology professor Pete Padilla said the political climate is comparable to the turbulent '60s and used the term "bread and circus" to describe the American apathy toward speaking out against the government.
"As long as you keep the people fed and entertained the people will not resist the government policies," Padilla said.
Reach the reporter at matthew.garcia3@asu.edu.
