Push and Pull
![Ph_SPC-AUB_1907-1913_1-75ae[1].jpg](https://online-exhibit.aub.edu.lb/files/square_thumbnails/76a2fffd363ab18919e4e169f638692a.jpg "Ph_SPC-AUB_1907-1913_1-75ae[1].jpg")
While the whole region was undergoing major changes, and suffering numerous hardships, SPC enjoyed a relative freedom and stability notwithstanding some nuisances. Given the neutrality of the US until 1917, and the history of good relations between SPC and the Ottoman authorities, who had high regard for the College, the Ottoman Governor Jamal Pasha made the administrative decision to use cautious diplomacy and not to antagonize the SPC Administration unnecessarily; the College reciprocated by complying with all regulations, and was therefore exempt from many of the tight restrictions that other colleges were subjected to, especially those which had some affiliation with nations opposed to the Ottomans in the war. The US diplomatic and financial support, the SPC Faculty's attempt at cautious and sustained diplomacy, the self-control of the student body and its steadfastness, all allowed for relative calm amidst a cautious game of push and pull played by both the SPC administration and the Ottoman authorities: throughout the year, each party played their cards diplomatically, with a sense of guardedness, but also with an attempt to show good will.