Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07BAGHDAD2362
2007-07-16 09:50:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Baghdad
Cable title:
AMBASSADOR'S JULY 15 MEETING WITH MINISTER OF
how-toVZCZCXRO3422 PP RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHIHL RUEHKUK DE RUEHGB #2362 1970950 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 160950Z JUL 07 FM AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2261 INFO RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 002362
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/15/2017
TAGS: ECON IZ OEXC SCUL
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR'S JULY 15 MEETING WITH MINISTER OF
EDUCATION
Classified By: Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 002362
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/15/2017
TAGS: ECON IZ OEXC SCUL
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR'S JULY 15 MEETING WITH MINISTER OF
EDUCATION
Classified By: Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) SUMMARY: In a July 15 meeting with the Ambassador,
the Iraqi Minister of Education Khudair al-Kuza'i complained
about militia infiltration into Iraqi universities and asked
for American support in replacing university presidents with
militia ties. He said despite the violence, education was
continuing in Iraq and outlined a vision for the future that
included American accreditation of Iraqi universities and
greater use of technology in classrooms. END SUMMARY.
Militia Infiltration of Universities
--------------
2. (C) According to al-Kuza'i, three of Iraq's universities
face problems with militia infiltration: Basra (Jaysh
al-Mahdi - JAM); Mustansiriyah (JAM); and Baghdad (JAM and
Badr, each controlling a separate campus). Al-Kuza'i said
the militias work through student groups to gain influence
and intimidate other students and staff.
3. (C) The presidents of these universities were appointed
by the ministry to serve a three-year term. Al-Kuza'i asked
for American support in replacing these presidents, but said
he could not fire all of them simultaneously due to the
difficulty of finding suitable replacements.
Education Continues Despite Violence
--------------
4. (C) Al-Kuza'i said that despite the challenges, education
was continuing in Iraq and cited the example of Anbar, where
staff continued to hold classes in the face of ongoing
violence. However, he acknowledged that upwards of 700
university teachers had moved to Kurdistan due to insecurity.
The Future of Iraqi Education
--------------
5. (C) Al-Kuza'i said he was in contact with several
American universities in an effort to obtain American
accreditation for the Iraqi university system. He also said
that he wanted to improve the level of technology used in
schools and ensure the education system was kept free from
any outside political influence.
CROCKER
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/15/2017
TAGS: ECON IZ OEXC SCUL
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR'S JULY 15 MEETING WITH MINISTER OF
EDUCATION
Classified By: Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) SUMMARY: In a July 15 meeting with the Ambassador,
the Iraqi Minister of Education Khudair al-Kuza'i complained
about militia infiltration into Iraqi universities and asked
for American support in replacing university presidents with
militia ties. He said despite the violence, education was
continuing in Iraq and outlined a vision for the future that
included American accreditation of Iraqi universities and
greater use of technology in classrooms. END SUMMARY.
Militia Infiltration of Universities
--------------
2. (C) According to al-Kuza'i, three of Iraq's universities
face problems with militia infiltration: Basra (Jaysh
al-Mahdi - JAM); Mustansiriyah (JAM); and Baghdad (JAM and
Badr, each controlling a separate campus). Al-Kuza'i said
the militias work through student groups to gain influence
and intimidate other students and staff.
3. (C) The presidents of these universities were appointed
by the ministry to serve a three-year term. Al-Kuza'i asked
for American support in replacing these presidents, but said
he could not fire all of them simultaneously due to the
difficulty of finding suitable replacements.
Education Continues Despite Violence
--------------
4. (C) Al-Kuza'i said that despite the challenges, education
was continuing in Iraq and cited the example of Anbar, where
staff continued to hold classes in the face of ongoing
violence. However, he acknowledged that upwards of 700
university teachers had moved to Kurdistan due to insecurity.
The Future of Iraqi Education
--------------
5. (C) Al-Kuza'i said he was in contact with several
American universities in an effort to obtain American
accreditation for the Iraqi university system. He also said
that he wanted to improve the level of technology used in
schools and ensure the education system was kept free from
any outside political influence.
CROCKER