Many college-aged Americans view the war in Iraq as the defining political issue for their generation. The effect of the war can vary greatly depending on individual students’ backgrounds. Third-year geography and environmental sciences student Dina Mahmood, left, and fourth-year English and comparative literature student Mohammad Tajsar, right, still have relatives in their families’ native Iraq. Third-year psychology student Nick Salcedo, center, who served in Iraq, has struggled to transition back to civilian life.

Photo by Jessica Chou, Daily Bruin staff