Changing out a government

It would seem that a major cultural shift would have to occur in Iraq before a new government could be established. Dr. Andrei Korobkov, international relations expert, says one of the major problems is that Iraq consists of three distinct parts--northern (Kurdistan); central, dominated by Sunni Moslems; and southern (Shi'ite). "The country was artificially created by the British as a monarchy and during 1958-1974 went through a series of bloody coups, while being nominally a republic after 1958. It never had a democratically elected government." Trying to implement a new government could lead to a serious shift of regional power balance, he adds.

Contact Korobkov at 615-898-2945.
korobkov@mtsu.edu

Withering freedom

Freedom withers when people trust government too much, says Bob Pondillo, assistant professor, electronic media communication. "I think we're seeing just such a scenario today. I think part of the reason mainstream media, both local and national, shield Americans from other points of view on the war is because of bottom-line, ratings-driven considerations. ... All this talk of media 'objectivity' is humbug. There is clear and obvious jingoism seen nightly on our news programs--a tacit bias in favor of war."

Contact Pondillo at 615-904-8465.
pondillo@mtsu.edu

One common thread

The Iraqi people are not homogeneous in how they think--much like Americans, points out Dr. Ron Messier, expert on the history of the Middle East. Many in the south, whose independence was suppressed by Hussein, "would tend to welcome change but not long-term American occupation." The Kurds in the north have a similar experience, but "there are different tribal groups of Kurds, each with different aspirations. The people in central Iraq would tend to be more supportive of the regime." Life was getting better for most people in Iraq until the costly end to the Iran-Iraq war, the Gulf War and U.N. sanctions--except for those who openly opposed the regime, he adds. The common thread is that most Iraqis do not want to be ruled by foreigners.

Contact Messier at 615-898-5828.
rmessier@mtsu.edu

MTSU UPLINK at 10 A.M.

SEGMENT 1: Dr. John Vile, political science, comments on the Bush presidency and says that George W. has emerged as one of the most decisive presidents in recent history. However, the jury is still out on whether or not he has headed in the right direction.
SEGMENT 2: Bob Pondillo, electronic media communication, discusses the media coverage of the war. He also comments on Arabic TV al Jazeera.
SEGMENT 3: Dr. David Ryfe, journalism, and political communication expert, discusses the influence of global opinion on both the U.S. and Iraqi military planners.

TR EXTRA: TOMORROW, March 27--Come see the thingy-majigs and talk to kids about their incredible inventions at the Invention Convention, starting at 8:30 a.m. in the James Union Building. More than 300 4th- through 6th-graders will display and explain their work. Media welcomed. Contact event director Dr. Tracey Ring at 615-898-5500.