At a panel discussion held last night, most Ohio University students and faculty agreed that the conflict in Kosovo has extended beyond original NATO intentions.

Four political science professors were invited to be a part of the discussion panel that was sponsored by the Political Science Majors' Association.

Sung Ho Kim, political science associate professor with international law expertise, initiated the discussion by briefing the audience on liberal and conservative views of the conflict.

He said conservatives generally believe the United States should keep a non-intervention stance, whereas the liberals believe intervention is necessary on a human rights level. Kim said the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's involvement in Kosovo has escalated to a point the group had not prepared for in the beginning.

Patricia Weitsman, political science assistant professor and NATO security specialist, said Russia and the Cold War created the need for NATO, but it's involvement in Kosovo currently is not what the alliance had intended.

She also disagreed with NATO's airstrike action and said if NATO's intentions really were humanitarian efforts, then the ethnic Albanians should be directly helped and the Serbs should not be hurt.

"Airstrikes do not alleviate suffering," she said. "This is not about ending the suffering in Kosovo-this is about the ending of (Yugoslav President Slobodan) Milosevic."

David Williams, political science associate professor and Russian historical and political specialist, said Russia plays a big part in the actions NATO is taking against Milosevic.

"Since Russia is too weak to defend the Serbs right now, we need to find a way to work with them to stop the war," he said. "I think Russia could be the key to resolution."

Harold Molineu, political science professor and foreign policy expert, agreed that the situation in Kosovo has reached a higher level than the United States expected. He also commented on United States' foreign policy and questioned Bill Clinton's strategy.

"The United States has gotten itself trapped," he said.

Some students voiced their opinions about the importance of a humanitarian effort. Others said though the action in Kosovo is perceived as a humanitarian effort, it is really a political ploy against Milosevic.

However, most students and panelists agreed the conflict in Kosovo has greatly escalated and needs to be resolved soon.

Graduate student Sam Austin said he learned a lot from the discussion.

"I think the most important point brought up was that we should not demonize Milosevic, because we need to end this, and we won't be able to negotiate with someone who we demonize," he said.

Austin also agreed the bombing worsened the situation and undermined the humanitarian aspect.

James Moore, president of the Political Science Majors' Association, said the topic for the panel was very important to bring up because it is currently affecting the United States. He also said the forum was important because it addressed how escalated the situation is.

"Basically, we're losing this thing, and there's nothing we can do about it," he said.