This society was formed following the toppling of the totalitarian regime of Saddam Hussein. Iraq is made up of multiple ethnic groups, and as a result of the policies of the old regime(s) the country is polarized and intolerance is rampant. The educational system of Iraq has been under the state control, as a result , the supremacy of certain groups and cultures has been emphasized while the historical bright past of others has denigrated.
This newly formed society’s main purpose is founding one of the first private universities in the country. The philosophical approach of this university will differ from the other establishments present now in Iraq. It will advocate tolerance; Various views of different civilizations will be respected. We will encourage and nourish a critical mind in our graduates, enabling them to think and choose rather than obey.
We believe earnestly that intolerance to others points of view in the absence of a critical mind is the main cause of today’s fanaticism and terror. Education is a human right. The university will accept all the qualified applicants, regardless to sex, race or religious affiliations.
This proposed university in its eventuality will include various schools(colleges) of science and humanities. The teaching language will be in English, certain colleges i.e. the school of law, will be taught in Arabic. The only concession to the Turkmen’s will be in establishing a center for Turkmen studies in which the teaching will be in Turkmen.
A board of directors will govern the proposed university, half of which will be selected from the outstanding academicians, the other half will be chosen from the professional establishments i.e. the chamber of commerce, medical societies, bar association etc. The university will be a nonprofit non governmental organization. However it will obey all the laws and regulations of the Iraqi Ministry of High Education and Scientific Research.
The main part of the expenses will be covered through endowments and peoples contribution.
For this tall and noble endeavor to come true we need deserved help. Our initial need is for monitory to cover the land and various buildings costs. These buildings will be raised in stages.
The gross cost estimates of the first stage is about 4 million American dollars. This is for today’s prices, in months to come cost over runs will occur.
Furnishing various colleges and supplying teaching aid and the essential laboratories is another facet of our need. A central library providing for the needs of the undergraduates and the research projects of the faculty and the graduate students is essential. Not the least in our thinking is our future teaching staff. Our need for scholarships in various fields in reputable universities will be demanding and urgent.