The DeKalb Interfaith Network, along with the Northern Coalition for Peace and Justice, will host a speakers panel discussion tonight at 7 p.m. in the Holmes Student Center’s Lincoln Room.

The panel will discuss the issue of whether the United States should withdraw or stay the course in the on-going war in Iraq. It will also discuss how and when it might be possible to withdraw troops.

“I think this is a very important issue for students,” said Cecile Meyer of the DeKalb Interfaith Network. “This war affects the economy and a lot of lives.”

Members of the panel will address various aspects of the issue. Retired businessman Lyle Sykora will explore the consequences of the United States either staying in Iraq or leaving. Al Resis, a retired NIU history professor, will address how it might be possible for the United States to withdraw, and history professor Jim Schmidt will discuss U.S. involvement in Iraq from a historical perspective related to foreign policy.

Meyer encouraged students to take interest in events being discussed in light of the possible return of the draft, which will be decided by U.S. officials later this month.

“I wanted to get involved before the draft happens,” Meyer said.

The Interfaith Network will hold its next event March 18, the day before the second anniversary of the start of the war. The organization will host a celebration dedicated to the memory of Illinois troops who have lost their lives, which currently numbers at about 60.

The event will feature live music, reading of poems and an open mic for people to share how they feel.

For more information about the DeKalb Interfaith Network, contact Meyer at 758-0796.