| Iraq’s
interim president welcomed back to AU
Photo by Jeff
Watts
Ghazi
al-Yawar, president of the interim government of Iraq, met
at his former campus with AU President Benjamin Ladner and
visiting officials.
|
BY
SALLY ACHARYA Many
years ago, Ghazi al-Yawar was just another international student
at AU. Now he’s making the history that others will study and
crafting the policies that will impact the world. As president of
the interim government of Iraq, al-Yawar was in Washington last
week to consult with President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick
Cheney, and others. He also made time to return to his old campus
for an intimate reception hosted by AU President Benjamin Ladner,
where he met with business and policy leaders, spoke of his hopes
for Iraq, and described the impact of AU on his life.
Born
near Mosul, al-Yawar studied English at AU before going on to pursue
an engineering degree. He spoke at the gathering about the ways
that his experience within the AU community set the stage for his
positive experiences in the United States, said Carole O’Leary,
School of International Service (SIS). “It was so clear this
had a special place for him,” said Robert Pastor, vice president
of international affairs. “He loved the campus and found it
so restful.” Al-Yawar,
AU President Benjamin Ladner noted, “has long been a friend
of AU. He has sought our advice and assistance in several areas
for the rebuilding of Iraq, but he has also been an outspoken advocate
of AU and its unique resources and approach to international education
and development. And, he is a delightful and warm human being.” A
friendship formed at AU with SIS professor Abdul Aziz Said has had
a particular influence throughout the years and is so close that
al-Yawar refers to Said, who is also director of AU’s Center
for Global Peace, as “uncle.” In his remarks at the event,
Said noted that AU faculty members and students have been involved
in the postconflict reconstruction of Iraq. “[You and your
colleagues] are engaged in a noble enterprise that matters in the
here and now and in the scales of truth,” he told al-Yawar.
“The Iraqi people, who have endured prolonged suffering and
struggled for their freedom so bravely, cannot be fearful of the
present dark . . . We at AU salute Iraq, the birthplace of great
human civilizations and the source of magnificent cultural achievements.
We at AU, through you, celebrate the brave people of Iraq.” Al-Yawar,
a Sunni tribal leader, became Iraq’s first president in the
post-Saddam era in June after serving on Iraq’s U.S.-appointed
Governing Council during the first transitional government. The
interim government will be in charge until elections are held in
January. The interim prime minister is Iyad Allawi. Al-Yawar
was accompanied by his wife, Nasreen Barwari, minister of Municipalities
and Public Works, who has long-standing ties with O’Leary.
“She’s noted for being an extraordinarily effective minister.
I have been honored to know her and have had amazing experiences
[working with her,]” O’Leary said. Al-Yawar and Barwari
were engaged shortly after attending AU’s June conference on
the future of Iraq. |
