While America’s war on terror lingers on, the war on Iraq is just beginning. At Bakersfield College, students both support and oppose the idea of closing in on Iraq, and its leader, Saddam Hussein.

Though many believe that it is necessary for something to be done about terrorism against the United States, they are unsure about the way President Bush is handling it.

“I believe that it is necessary for something to be done about Saddam Hussein,” said Sean Purcell, a freshman anthropology major. “However, I think that for Bush to do something would be inappropriate.”

Purcell also said that it is the United Nations’ place to do something about Iraq.

“If they are not, then something has to be done about the U.N.,” he said.

Other students, however, believe that the United States is going in the right direction.

“Saddam Hussein has been trying to get after us for years, and so I think it’s time that justice is served,” said Brandon Rodriguez, a sophomore child psychology major. “He hasn’t agreed to lay down his weapons and put his biochemical warfare stuff away, so if he is going to disobey, yeah, I think that justice needs to be served.”

If the United States does declare war on Iraq, many are unsure about the amount of time needed there, but most agreed that our troops will stay as long as necessary to take care of business.

“As long as the American public thinks we need to be (there),” said Stephanie Gardner, a sophomore student majoring in business administration. “I think it should be up to us. We are going to be the ones fighting, so I think it’s going to be our decision.”

Rodriguez also said he believes that we will be there as long as needed.

“I couldn’t tell you really, just however long it takes,” he said. “We have everything we need if we do go to war, all our resources are intact. (So) I wouldn’t say more than a year.”

Some students said that instead of fighting terrorism overseas, we should start at home.

“If we are going to go after terrorism, we have to start at home,” said Gardner. “We went from Osama bin Laden to Iraq. Why don’t we finish Osama bin Laden first, then go after Iraq.”

Others, however, said that the war against Iraq is the same as the war against terror, and the two are not so far apart.

“If we can kill two birds with one stone and do it all at the same time, then go for it,” said Rodriguez. “If we don’t take care of what’s in Iraq now, there might be even a bigger problem with terrorism (later).”

Whether or not a war occurs, students’ views differed on the impact of the draft, should it be reinstated.

“I would gladly go and fight for our country,” Rodriguez said.

“I’d fight for my country with God right by my side.”

Gardner, however, believes differently.

“Women won’t be drafted,” she said. “They are just now starting to let women on the front line. Why would a woman be drafted if she wasn’t going to the front line?”

Purcell also does not believe that women would be drafted, but for a different reason.

“Any president who allows mothers to die on he field of battle knows he will never be re-elected,” he said. “Therefore, (Bush) will never let women be drafted.”