Asha Longsworth
Staff Writer
The International Studies Institute hosted “Iran War: How Did We Get Here?” at noon on April 30.
The talk, part of the Hot Spots series, featured two speakers, Miaad Hassan, visiting professor of political science, and Gitty Amini, associate professor of political science. It was moderated by Kenneth Marcus, professor of history.
Before an audience of about 30 community members in the Quay Davis Executive Boardroom, the speakers focused on the current situation in Iran. And they considered the historical and political factors leading up to it.
In February the U.S. and Israel initiated a war of aggression, targeting sites across Iran.
In March President Trump threatened to target Iran’s oil infrastructure and desalination plants.
The Persian Gulf, a critical artery for global energy supplies, became a target, affecting oil prices and international markets.
The speakers explained that relational conflicts between the U.S. and Iran are defined by deep mistrust and decades of hostility specifically marked by the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
“What are the next steps for Iran?” asked Ahmed Ispahani, professor of business administration.
“Neither party has prepared for the consequences of this (current) war,” Hassan said.
“It’s Pandora’s box of complicated global supply lines,” Amini said.
Asha Longsworth can be reached at asha.longsworth@laverne.edu.
Asha Longsworth is a senior communications major with a concentration in public relations, and a staff writer for the Campus Times.
