Approximately 100 students gathered last night for a town hall-style discussion on the Iraq war in Tresidder Oak Room. Political Science Prof. Larry Diamond headlined the event, which was sponsored by the Stanford Debate Society. Political Science postdoctoral fellow David Patel also participated in the discussion.

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Hoover senior fellow and Political Science Prof. Larry Diamond, one of the world’s foremost experts on democracy, was the headliner at a town hall-style meeting on whether the U.S. should pull out of Iraq. #gallery http://daily.stanford.org/image/full/7492
Chris Piech

Hoover senior fellow and Political Science Prof. Larry Diamond, one of the world’s foremost experts on democracy, was the headliner at a town hall-style meeting on whether the U.S. should pull out of Iraq.

Ray Seilie ‘07 spoke in favor of the resolution to withdraw from Iraq in 90 days; he argued that the American presence inflames violence, and has caused more Iraqi civilian deaths than the insurgency. Anish Mitra ‘09 argued that the American presence in Iraq is necessary to prevent the country from falling into open civil war.

Afterwards, students voiced their opinions on the war and asked questions of Diamond and Patel.

Diamond said the current war bore strong resemblance to a war of imperialism.

“I think history and the American electorate need to judge George Bush’s reasons for leading us into war,” he said.

Another member of the audience asked, by show of hands, how many people would be willing to risk their lives to ensure stability in Iraq. One or two hands fluttered tentatively.

The biggest question of the night concerned the consequences of an abrupt American withdrawal, a course the Democratic Congress is pressuring President Bush to take.

Diamond, who said he opposes immediate withdrawal, added that he believes a civil war would result from a sudden exit.

“Any speculation,” he said, “as to what will happen following an American military withdrawal is just that — speculation.”