RELEASED: October 18, 2001

DANVILLE, KY—An audience composed of Centre faculty, staff and students, and community members gathered for the program "Providing Context for Troubled Times." The event was held Sunday, Oct. 14, at Weisiger Theatre in the College's Norton Center for the Arts.

The program dealt with issues surrounding the Sept. 11 attacks on America.

There were four panelists. Each touched upon a specific topic.

Ken Keffer, professor of modern languages at Centre, discussed anti-Americanism. He said it developed its roots during the Cold War, and is prevalent today, even in Europe and America.

"Clearly, the Islamic terrorists embody the most toxic strain of this disease—its hard, fanatical core," Keffer said.

Nayef Samhat, assistant professor of government and international studies at Centre, said that it is clear the United States has to respond to the terrorist attacks, but he said it is important to also look closely into the underlying causes of terrorism. Until these underlying causes are addressed, Samhat said, a permanent solution to terrorism may prove elusive.

Dan Stroup, professor of government at Centre, explored whether the terrorists committed an act of war or committed crimes, and what the different implications of that conclusion would be. Stroup viewed the acts as crimes, and said that would change how the terrorists will be dealt with if captured.

Steve Wolfgang, a Danville minister who has worked as a television and print journalist, discussed the media's role in the war on terrorism. He pointed out that members of the media have roundly condemned the attacks and quoted several media editorials as examples.

John Ward, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college, introduced the panelists and moderated the program.

This was the second special program Centre has held after the attacks. The initial program, "Placing Tragedy in Context," was held Sept. 16 and drew more than 200 to Newlin Hall of the College's Norton Center for the Arts.

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