Protests and anti-American sentiment flared across the globe Thursday as the United States fired the opening shots in the war against Iraq.
Wednesday's attacks on Baghdad were met with an overwhelmingly negative response outside the United States. In Germany tens of thousands of protesters marched through Berlin, chanting anti-American slogans and carrying signs that read "Stop the Bush Fire" and "George W. Hitler." One of the largest demonstrations took place in Athens, Greece, where 80,000 students and labor activists marched outside the American Embassy.
International students at Ball State have had mixed reactions.
"I don't like the idea of war. I don't think Bush should have fired at Baghdad," graduate student Inaani Kahikuata, from Nambia, said. "I think Bush should have waited and used more diplomacy. He is showing a bulldozing mentality. I hope what he has been saying about the weapons is true, or else he will face a political backlash."
Others have been more supportive but hope that the U.S. will approach with caution.
"The war isn't such a bad idea if they really want to remove him (Saddam Hussein) from power, but I hope it is a short war with not too many civilian casualties," said Arijit Mazumdar, a graduate student from India.
"They gave Saddam enough time," said Mang Lian, a senior from Burma. "Some of my friends in Burma are against it because of the casualties. If we gave more of a chance to the inspectors, then we can reduce the casualty rate."
"Burma is like Iraq. The power is vested in one person, Khin Nyint, who is the military intelligence No. 1. The government does not want to say if they are pro or con for the U.S. involvement in the war. They just keep quiet. The government may have some anti-American sentiment, but the citizens don't."
Though it's been a tough world for Americans, Ball State currently has no plans to scale back its study-abroad programs.
More than 140 Ball State students are currently attending school overseas, and approximately 450 international students are enrolled at Ball State. But Center for International Programs assistant director Kirk Robey said he has heard about no incidents and only a few worries.
"We've had a few students come in and ask if their visas will be taken away, but that won't happen," he said. "We've seen minimal reaction at this point, but we try to help them if any of them feel uncomfortable."
The State Department on Wednesday issued a worldwide caution warning U.S. citizens of terrorist attacks abroad. But director Jim Coffin said the CIP has not canceled or postponed any trips.
"We're keeping abreast of what's going on and relying on State Department warnings," he said. "But we're going ahead with our spring and summer programs."
The CIP has a set of emergency response guidelines, should international students run into any trouble.
For Ball State students abroad, most of whom are currently based at London and Australia Centres (none are in the Middle East), Coffin said, the best course of action would be to keep a low profile for the time being.
"I would suggest that students not continue to intensely Americanize themselves by wearing university sweatshirts, or patronizing American businesses like the Hard Rock Cafe.
"They should also use the buddy system if they go out, and travel inside the borders of the country they are in. If they are traveling far, they should let us know where they are going."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
