As the crisis in Kosovo escalates and U.S. involvement increases, justification for U.S. military action becomes debatable. Local students and professors of the Monterey Institute of International Studies share their opinions and hopes for resolutions.

Mary Ann Nation

Age: 25

Occupation: Student

Resides: Monterey

Do you agree with the bombing? Due to genocide, I think NATO should be there, yet the U.S. support is an illegal action since it hasn''t been approved by Congress.

Should the U.S. act as international police? I think since we''re the only superpower, we tend to be brought into things often. I think the role of superpower will die out and the UN will have more power.

Steven Souza

Age: 28

Occupation: Student

Resides: Monterey

Do you agree with the bombing? Yes, because someone has to stop the massacres. Who would say it''s OK for a force to slaughter people because of their ethnic origin?

What other support should we give? Financial support for non-governmental organizations who are willing to carry out relief and support programs. Leslie Eliason

Ag

Occupation: Professor of International Policy Studies

Resides: Aromas

Do you agree with the bombing?

I definitely think something should be done to stop Serb aggression, but I don''t think current policies are working.

Do you agree with sending ground troops? It doesn''t work to have airstrikes unless you are willing to have ground troops.

Is this worth getting into war with Russia? The Russians don''t have leverage because they need Western economic aid.

What other support should we give? All the money we spent in the Balkans in 1991 would be a considerable financial aid package. We should provide economic incentive for a peaceful resolution.

Margherita Serafini

Age: 28

Occupation: Student

Resides: Marina

Do you agree with the bombing? No, there must be another way. I''m Italian and I''m worried about my family because they''re so close to Kosovo.

Is this worth getting into war with Russia? Russia cannot afford a war. Maybe [Russia tried] to prevent countries from intervening, but we intervened first.

Hiroshi Yabuno

Age: 30

Occupation: Student

Resides: Seaside

Do you agree with the bombing? We shouldn''t use the military to support other countries'' programs.

What other support should we give? Economic aid and establish proper political agendas.

Should the U.S. act as international police? Sometimes, because we have to use economic sanctions and the U.S. has most of the economic power.

Send a Letter to the Editor | Post a Public Forum