As America enters the forefront of war, the nation braces itself for what will happen next, again.

The general sentiments of skepticism, concern and even outrage that people are feeling about the war seems to mirror a similar situation that occurred more than a decade ago – the Gulf War.

In 1991, much of the campus was engrossed in the skepticism and concern for the war that seems to be occurring now.

However, some professors who can reflect on both situations said the vast majority of the student body is more passionately opposed to war now than with the crisis in 1991.

“Our president hasn’t articulated the case for war now as well as his father did for the Gulf War in 1991,” associate communication professor Ferold Bryan said.

Students seem to be expressing great unease with the situation as well, he said.

One of the main differences between the crisis of 1991 and today’s escalating situation with Iraq is that the former represents “before” and the latter represents “after” the greatest tragedy on American soil.

“There is definitely more anger now because of [Sept. 11],” Bryan said. “So there’s more emphasis on terrorism with this war than with the Gulf War.”

The main area of conflict now is the lack of agreement with President George W. Bush’s justifications.

“I’m impressed by the Northern student body and its skepticism of the issue,” history professor David Kyvig said. “The students just seem to be less accepting of Bush’s explanations.”

As for the level of general unease with the war now compared to the skepticism with the Gulf War, there is some disagreement.

“People seem to be forgetting that there was also a great deal of unease about war in 1991, too,” said Dan Kempton, an associate political science professor. “People are underestimating the level of concern from the Gulf War.”

Overall, the general reaction of apprehension for war with Iraq cannot be ignored.

Some of the staff, recalling the situation when compared to the crisis at hand, are in disbelief about the nation’s predicament.

“I’m appalled,” said Arthur Doederlein, undergraduate director of communication. “President Bush seems to think we have to do God’s bidding.”

Other faculty members agree.

“Our president is initiating the most disastrous foreign policy I’ve seen since I’ve been alive,” biology professor Patricia Vary said.