On Monday, University of Utah students returned to class, business as usual.
But it was anything other than a typical day in the history of the world.
The United States and the United Kingdom began bombing terrorist targets in Afghanistan Sunday in retaliation to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The assault came after the Taliban government failed to comply with U.S. demands, such as the delivery of Osama bin Laden for trial.
Many students sopped in the Marriott Library to watch CNN coverage on a TV placed in front of the main computer lab. Students reacted differently, but the majority seemed to favor the decision.
Jeff Smith
Music, senior
“There are going to be repercussions because of this for the next 10 years. I agree we had to do something, but I do not know whether or not it had to be of this scale.”
President Bush tries to make this seem simple, black and white, an issue between good and evil, he added.
Cody Coleman
Occupational therapy, senior
“I’m glad the United States decided to do it. Now hopefully we have more control over terrorism.”
Coleman’s brother is a U.S. Marine, but has yet to be deployed. He is not worried yet, but admitted that could change quickly depending on the reaction of the Taliban.
Cheryl Fales
Linguistics studies, senior
“My initial response was fear coupled with pity for the Afghans.”
She then concluded U.S. efforts of the past two days are an appropriate response, but she admitted the fear was still there. She said that the president is doing a good job.
Dirk Chandler
Communication, senior
“I think the President has handled the situation very well. It is never easy to say that bombing is the right thing to do, but Bush was very strategic about the places they hit. I’m not a huge Bush fan, but he has really impressed me.”
Katie Dopita
Art History, senior
“I’m glad Bush waited a while and didn’t run into it. Bombing is always difficult thing to do, but it has to be done.”
Dopita agreed with Bush’s suggestion to pray for the country. “I think we need a higher power. Since Sept. 11, people are making an effort to focus on what is really important.”
Richard Markosian
University studies, senior
His initial response was pity. “I thought about all of those citizens that would suffer because they have a crazy leader,” he said.
But the United States did not only attack, it also dropped food for the Afghans. Overall, the president has done a really good job dealing with the situation, Markosian said.
Claurissa Tuttle
Computer Science, sophomore
“I don’t have a strong opinion either way. I just think, ‘OK, whatever.'”
Hiba Al-Zahawi
Computer Science, sophomore
“Bombing is never a valid answer. It is only going to delay other acts of terrorism, not end them.”
Al-Zahawi lived in Iraq during the Gulf War. She opposes any bombing.
“I’m still at a loss as to why they are doing it. It will affect so many civilians and take some innocent lives,” she said.
She doesn’t believe the U.S. should sit back and ignore the situation, but she wants the government to examine the root of the problem, which she believes is foreign policy.
J.T. Clark
Economics, junior
“I’m glad we did it. Someone has to put an end to the cycle of terrorism,? Clark said.
It is going to be a few years before it is over. He firmly supports Bush’s decisions so far.