Hoops play Cal tonight
Sports, page 24
Minority grants spark debate
Viewpoint, page 4
Play fiddles with laughs
ife / Arts, page 9
on
trojan
Volume CXIV, Number 7
University of Southern California
Thursday, January 17, 1991
Campus absorbs shock of war
Support of troops, not policy generated by violent conflict
By Glen Justice and Aric Johnson
Staff Writers
The United States launched an air attack on Iraq shortly after 3 p.m. Wednesday, covering the campus community with a blanket of cold and somber reality as the twenty-something generation faces war for the first time.
"The liberation of Kuwait has begun," said President George Bush from Washington D.C. shortly after the attack began.
The U.S. Air Force attacked selected targets in both Iraq and Kuwait. In a brief speech aired nationally, Bush promised U.S. victory.
The U.S. air offensive received help from Saudi Arabia, France and Kuwait, CNN reported. The operation is now being called Operation Desert Storm, instead of Operation Desert Shield.
Bush did not stray far from previously-established administration policies in his speech, stating that economic sanctions, while worthwhile, would never compel a withdrawal from Kuwait.
"The world could wait no longer," he said. "While the world prayed for peace, Saddam prepared for war."
"No president can easily commit sons and daughters to war," Bush said. "(But) the troops know why they're there."
University political science professor Richard Dekmejian, a noted expert on the Middle East and terrorism, explained why Saddam was slow in reacting to the U.S. air strike during the early hours of war.
"The Iraqis were obviously caught by surprise," he said. "The destruction of the (Iraqi) communication centers prevented Saddam from reaching his commanders."
But Dekmejian warned that the Iraqis may strike back in other ways.
"The possibility of retaliation in the form of terrorism must be considered," he said.
Dekmejian said Bush's message is clear.
"Saddam still has the opportunity to withdraw from Kuwait and maintain the country's integrity," he said. "We will have to wait and see his response. If the U.S. attack is limited, it may be simply a prelude to peace talks, a face-saving device letting Saddam know Bush is serious.
"But if it's a continuous and massive attack that targets groups beyond the military, it shows Bush may be out to destroy Saddam," Dekmejian said.
(See War, page 14)
Arab students react to war/ 7
Senate vice president fires committee chair
By Allison Tatum
Staff Writer
Student Senate Vice President Sam Sheldon fired his Human Justice Committee chairman Wednesday citing disregard for office procedure and sparking further internal conflict in a Senate already plagued by dissension.
David Wells, a graduate student and head of the Human Justice Committee, was fired after he used the Student Senate logo on 1,600 fliers promoting "Human Rights Weeks," a two-week-long schedule of speakers, rallies and forums focusing on human rights issues.
Tuesday's anti-war rally at Tommy Trojan, which drew a record crowd of more than 700, was the first event in a venue stretching from Jan. 15-31.
In addition to the fliers, Sheldon was upset with Wells for using Senate funds to pay for a full-page ad in Tuesday's Daily Trojan promoting the events.
"This is not a first-time incident," Sheldon said. "In times past. Dave has used the Senate's name in a letter to a magazine and referred to things in that letter that were not voted on by the Senate."
A disclaimer appeared at the bottom of the "Human Rights Weeks" fliers, as well as below the Daily Trojan advertisement, stating that the views of event participants were not necessarily those of the Student Senate. But Sheldon said the logo gave the incorrect impression that the event was sponsored by a Senate vote.
Wells dismissed that charge and said there were underlying reasons for his dismissal.
"We've had difficulties in the past, it's no secret. Basically, we hold different opinions on the role the Senate should play when dealing with the administration," Wells said. "I've always beeit^-a little more confrontational."
Sheldon also said Wells used the Senate phone number on a press release announcing the success of the anti-war rally.
After that happened, Sheldon said he asked Wells to consult him before acting on behalf of the Senate. Wells said he knew Sheldon did not approve of his tactics, but decided to use the Senate name anyway because he disagreed with Sheldon's view.
(See Senate, page 8)
Marinovich to stay at USC
Quarterback says he plans to enroll for spring classes
By Gregory Sandoval
Staff Writer
Speaking out for the first time since the John Hancock Bowl on Dec. 31, Todd Marinovich said Wednesday he plans to continue his university education despite reports that he would renounce his college eligibility to pursue a career in the NFL.
In an interview with the Daily Trojan outside Heritage Hall, Marinovich said he will come back to school this semester.
"I'm here to register for class today," Marinovich said. The deadline for enrollment is Feb.l.
The sophomore quarterback was suspended last Friday by football Coach Larry Smith for not registering for spring classes and missing a mandatory team meeting.
But Marinovich said he has a meeting scheduled with Smith to discuss his future with the football team.
"On Friday, I'm meeting with Coach Smith to talk about it," Marinovich said.
Having recently returned from a hunting and fishing trip, Marinovich said he was unaware of the growing speculation that he was renouncing his college eligibility and opting for the National Football League.
"I want to put an end to all of the rumors," Marinovich said.
He said he was "totally secluded" during his vacation in Northern California.
Todd Marinovich
File Photo
"I had no idea of what was going on here," he said. "I was out hunting wild geese."
Marinovich said he is looking to mend the differences that resulted in the suspension.
Last Thursday, The National reported that Marinovich had decided to end his college career and turn pro.
But Marinovich said the story was "totally inaccurate."
"I'm glad to be back," he said. "I want to go to school here."
According to university housing officials, Marinovich has been issued a housing contract for the spring semester, indicating he will be living at the university this semseter.
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Edward Siegel / Dally Trojan
Members of the anti-war group GUSTO (Get U.S. Troops Out) gathered around the television at the University Religious Center to watch President George Bush’s speech Wednesday. Bush told the nation, “The liberation of Kuwait has begun.”