Former Iraqi Ambassador to U.N., U.K., visits Shorecrest
Source/Author: Kurt Wahlgren, Upper School History Teacher
April 28, 2017
After weeks of studying events such as the Iran/Iraq War and the Iranian Revolution, a special guest, Dr. Mudahafar A. Amin, Former Iraqi Ambassador, visited the Upper School to explain events from his vantage point within the Iraqi government. Dr. Amin brings a unique perspective, in part because of his years spent working with and often clashing with Saddam Hussein. Dr. Amin presented and took questions in both Mr. Wahlgren’s AP Comparative Government class and a Global Scholars Initiative meeting. The focus of his talk in GSI was the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, while his main area of emphasis in AP Comparative Government highlighted the complex history of Iran/Iraq relations. The intimate setting with someone of Dr. Amin’s expertise also brought in a variety of students and faculty to discuss international politics.
Senior Ben P. had this to say, "The insight that Dr. Amin provided about the Middle East was incredibly in depth both personally and historically. He made us consider ideas and strategies for the region that we could not hear anywhere else."
Junior Max S. commented, “I think that it was unlike anything I have ever experienced in my life to hear from the perspective of someone whose country was almost completely destroyed by ours. It is important to truly consider the meaning of right and wrong and what your country stands for.”
Other notable points that Dr. Amin touched on included:
- Personal stories about how Saddam Hussein changed over the years
- US/Iraq relations during the 80’s and 90’s
- The Iran nuclear deal
- Mistakes that Paul Bremmer made when leading the Coalition Provincial Authority after the 2003 invasion
- How the U.S. should proceed in Iraq (advice to President Trump)
- The Kurds in the region, as related to Turkey, Syria and Iraq
Shorecrest students and faculty would like to thank Dr. Amin for spending an afternoon with us on campus!
