America should finish work in Iraq, then slowly move out. That view appears widely held on campus following recent elections in the war-torn nation, according to a non-scientific survey by journalism students last week.

Roughly 16 people participated in the voluntary opinion survey. All were chosen at random on campus. All were asked a single question: "What strategy would you like to see America follow in the wake of recent elections in Iraq?"

Charlotte Gates, 48, assigns priority to keeping Iraq's new leadership from harm. "It is most important that we protect those who are elected," the graduate student said.

"We should get out of there as soon as possible, but we shouldn't leave until we are done," says Adam Berkeley, the 27-year-old resident director for McIntosh, Wickersham and Nerland halls

Brian McNulty knows that what he wants isn't likely in the short term. "I would like us to pull out right away," the 21-year-old student said. "But I realize we will need a minimal amount of troop occupation."

"They should keep on the path," said second-year student Brian Hack. "They should wait until the (Iraqi) government is established, then have a slow departure." Hack added that the U.S. might need to keep some troops in the country, "just in case."

Alumni association director Joe Hayes would like to see US forces pull out, but he recognizes America needs to remain in Iraq as peacekeepers, training Iraqi forces until they are strong enough to maintain order themselves. "If we pull out now, their government would fall apart," said the 34-year-old Air Force veteran and former state lawmaker. "They would have civil war, and it would become a power vacuum."

"Without the support, it's going to fall apart," agrees Devin Hahne, 19, a mechanical engineering major

Others also advocate keeping our political options open.

"I guess (we should) help them out if they want it," said Rachel Polk, a 24-year-old education major. "If not, let them figure it out themselves."

Many want our troops out, period.

"We should get the hell out of there," said student Gina DeNoble, 19. "They are a democracy now, and they should stand on their own."

Brenda Stewart, 43, detects irony in the administration's approach to spreading democracy. "Freedom isn't freedom when it's pushed on you," she said.

"Personally I don't think we should have ever gone there," said Anthony Stong, 19, an anthropology major. He calls America's policy in Iraq "hyper-aggressive management."

One survey respondent sees a developing opportunity.

Albert Spaldin, a 19-year-old petroleum engineering student, has his eyes on Iraq's black gold. "I would like us to start free trade with Iraq. Start opening up their oil fields to us," he said, "so we can have lower gas prices."

Focusing on trade, Spaldin added, will reduce the threat of terrorism.

Some aren't keeping close tabs on events playing out in Iraq. "To be completely honest," said one 37-year-old student, "I haven't been following the elections."

This story represents the collective work of JRN 301, section 2, News-writing students. Contributors include: Amy Egan, Brant Finstad, Amie Kortt, Jennifer Miller, JP Rodriguez.

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