Ball State University experts are available to provide information and background on a variety of issues related to a potential war with Iraq. Story ideas include:
Patrick Barkey, economics professor, can theorize how U.S. and world economies will be impacted by an extended war.
Steve Bell, telecommunications professor, can discuss the life of a war reporter based on his experience covering the Vietnam War for ABC News.
Ann Blakey, biology professor, can discuss possible use of biological weapons by the Iraqis against invading troops as well as the history of such chemicals.
Phil Bremen, telecommunications professor, can discuss the last time Iraq was invaded. He was a frontline correspondent for NBC during the bloody war between Iran and Iraq from 1980-88.
Scott Mazzetti, an exercise research specialist in the Human Performance Laboratory, is available to discuss how exercise can reduce stress levels during times of conflict.
Robert Pritchard, public relations professor, is available to discuss how the military will handle reporters and cameras crews from networks around the world. He is a retired U.S. Navy captain who specialized in public affairs in Europe and the Middle East.
Cy Reed, associate provost and international affairs expert, can offer insight into how Middle Easterners perceive America. "This is not a clear-cut case of aggression like when Iraq invaded Kuwait," Reed said. "Having the most powerful military force overthrow Iraq won't be a surprise. How the rest of the Arab world reacts afterward and what will happen next will be the surprise."
Melvin Sharpe, public relations professor, can provide insights on how America is perceived by other nations through Hollywood movies and television shows broadcast overseas.
Kevin Smith, history professor, can provide an historical perspective of American military traditions, including the nation's avoidance of starting wars despite evidence of weapons of mass destruction (citing China and the former Soviet Union as examples).
Edward Wolner, an architecture professor, can point out the potential monuments and structures dating back to Biblical times that could be lost during a war in Iraq. "The Ziggurat at Ur (Abraham, the first Hebrew, was born in Ur) is the principal ancient monument that could be lost," Wolner said. "More than likely, the reconstructed walls of ancient Babylon, in present day Baghdad, might also be lost to bombing." Baghdad has at least one medieval madrassah (school complex), and a splendid mosque and minaret (tower for calling the faithful to prayer) at Samarra that could also be threatened, Wolner said.
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