OMINOUS: As tensions grow between the United States and Iran, Gen Z waits cautiously for what is yet to be expected.
By Laila Menchaca, Staff Writer
It began with President Donald Trump ordering a drone strike which killed Iran’s top military general, Qasem Soleimani. Activist Shaun King describes this event as “an illegal war crime” explaining in an Instagram post that “this targeted assassination was not authorized by Congress and violates multiple national and international laws”. Iran’s response to this assassination was raising a red flag over The Holy Dome of Jamkarān Mosque. This horrifying warning is the first time this flag has been raised in the history of Iran and announces a severe battle is yet to begin. The haunting words on the flag translate to: “Those who want to avenge the blood of Hussein.” Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Iran Imam Sayyed, and Iranian President, Hassan Rouhani, have vowed that the Islamic Republic will avenge the dead commander, according to news reporter Gerrard Kaonga at Express. President Donald Trump believes that his actions should be appreciated as a favor he did for the US because Trump claims “the world is a safer place without “monsters” such as Gen Soleimani,” and what our president did was prevent the war, not start one.
A new decade has just begun with 2020 being our shining year, however since the General’s assassination, Gen Z has taken it into their hands to take light of the situation and create memes. Nevertheless, this was to hide the disturbing reality that this is Gen Z’s first face-to-face moment with the possibility of war. The jokes start to die down and fear settles in when Iran decides to join in on the fun. A video surfaced on Twitter that was sent by Iran as a warning to the American troops in the Middle East. Iran threatened to kill all American troops if they did not leave. In the haunting video, an American flag is shown to mock Trump’s tweet of the American Flag after the General was killed. The likes usually presented underneath a post now show a heart with a slash through it. The numbers are increasing with the word “killed” to represent the number of people Iran threatens to come after. The flag is blown away to reveal a coffin and the screen goes dark with the bloody, red threat reading “#SEVEREREVENGE”.
Boys, ages 18 and over, must enlist for the military draft. Beginning the rumors of a World War III, many have started to worry as parents grew anxious on what this would mean in terms of their child’s safety. As of 1973, there has been no draft due to it having been abolished because of the controversy of fighting in Vietnam. However, Congress could present a new draft which requires the president to confirm and have political support. Other questions arising are whether women should be drafted as well, considering their desire for equal rights and the increasing participation on women’s roles in the military.
Anxiousness has risen and there is tension in the air that continues to stretch. There is no knowing what will occur, but precautions are being taken by everyone and we have grown to be more conscientious and aware of what is happening. We must remain alert and stay updated with presidential news because one thing is for certain: we will all be affected.