Colonel predicts war with Iran

Two dozen students and professors from the College of International Studies were present at a luncheon Wednesday, to hear Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson’s warning about a possible war with Iran.

Wilkerson is a retired army colonel and is the former chief of staff to United States Secretary of State Colin Powell. Wilkerson, who now teaches at the College of William & Mary and George Washington, had a stern warning for the American people.

“We are going to war. The president has said it is unacceptable that Iran has nuclear capability. He has said all options are available, that includes the military action,” Wilkerson said.

Wilkerson encourages politicians in Washington to negotiate with Iran strictly through diplomacy, to avoid another Iraq or Afghanistan. However, he fears that if negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program don’t work, it will lead to a ground invasion within the next five years.

 “Any regime in Iran even if it looks like Thomas Jefferson reincarnated is going to want a nuclear program. So we invade, in 10- to 13-years, 2- to 3-trillion dollars and no better results than in Iraq or Afghanistan,” said Wilkerson.

Despite this foresight Wilkerson believes diplomacy will not help attain the necessary results to prevent another Middle East conflict. Richard White, an international security studies senior says he agrees with Wilkerson despite his warnings of war.

“There is a lot to think about it. When people come in from the government they say party line stuff and we didn't get that from Colonel Wilkerson,” White said.

The Colonel did give one final word before the luncheon concluded. “If you loved Iraq, you’re going to love Iran,” he said with a smirk on his face.

For more information about this event you can contact KGOU or the College of International Studies at Hester Hall.