A recent WINGS poll of 3,275 individuals suggested reluctance among WSU students, faculty and staff to support involvement in the Syrian conflict.
This poll asked participants the following question:
"The U.S. says it has determined that the Syrian government used chemical weapons in the civil war there. Do you support or oppose the U.S. launching missile strikes against the Syrian government?"
According to this poll, 53.9 percent of participants opposed U.S. involvement, 24.9 percent were waiting for more information, 15.3 percent supported involvement and 5.9 percent had no opinion on the issue.
WSU history professor and military expert Jonathan Winkler expressed doubts about U.S. involvement in Syria.
"I'm not sure what to think or what our national interest really is," Winkler said. "Chemical weapons are nasty, but the U.S. cannot always be the world's police. Choices must be made based on resources, and those are somewhat short in the U.S. right now."
Winkler was intrigued by the important issues the situation presented.
"There is a long-standing debate over the question of executive war making powers," Winkler said. "If President Obama acts without congressional approval, we are in very interesting territory."
WSU engineering graduate Matthew Raska fears that U.S. involvement could escalate the conflict significantly.
"Iran might get involved due to a mutual defense pact with the Syrian government," Raska said. "The US military could get stuck in yet another costly quagmire."
Winkler echoed these sentiments.
"Iran might lash out against the U.S. or allied Israel," Winkler said. "Hezbollah and sympathetic factions in Iraq may also become involved, plunging much of the Middle-East into war."
Junior marketing student Emily Evans became convinced that U.S. involvement was necessary after hearing about the use of chemical weapons.
"At first I was against it, but the Syrian government has done some awful things," Evans said. "Downtrodden people, like many in Syria, need someone to come to their aid, especially when it is their own government oppressing them."
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base public affairs specialist Estella Holmes was unable to comment officially.
"None of the base leadership would be free to speak on US involvement in Syria, as it is a political issue," Holmes said. "It is still being discussed by Congress and the President, and once they have made a decision, the pentagon will probably provide public affairs guidance saying that military members are not to make any statements on the matter."
Secretary of State John Kerry said he would be willing to entertain the proposal, assuming it was delivered quickly.
"We're waiting for that proposal, but we're not waiting for long," Kerry said.
Dr. Winkler was encouraged by the interest in this issue shown by WSU students and hoped it would continue.
"Keep watching and reading because this event will set important precedents for U.S. foreign policy and the political process in this country," Winkler said. "An informed citizenry is essential to a successful republic."
Winkler was encouraged by the interest in this issue shown by WSU students and hoped it would continue.
"Keep watching and reading because this event will set important precedents for U.S. foreign policy and the political process in this country," Winkler said. "An informed citizenry is essential to a successful republic."