Iraq losing academics

Reuters ^ | March 16, 2006 | Omar al-Ibadi

[rebrane]

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Sami al-Muthafar, a former chemistry professor at Baghdad University, survived a car bomb attack in early February, walking away unscathed although several of his guards were wounded.

He knows many other scientists and academics who were not so fortunate.

"It is a big loss when we lose a professor or a scientist because they are the elite of society," said Muthafar, now minister of higher education. "It is too hard to replace those we lose."

Some 182 Iraqi university professors and academics have been killed in violence since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. Another 85 senior academics have been kidnapped or suffered attempts on their lives, the Association of University Lecturers in Iraq told a news conference last week.

[rebrane]

What do you guys think? Is there really a problem, or are these guys just whining about the same threats everyone faces in Iraq, to try to push their American academic bretheren to support cutting and running?

[MNJohnnie]

Just more whining. Obviously, they are going to leave if they have the opportunity. Like all other Academics, they would much rather be fat, dumb and happy on a US Campus pulling down big bucks then stuck in a 3rd world crap hole. Who WOULD NOT leave Iraq if they could? Unfortunately it is strategically vital tract of land so our strategic interests do not give US the opportunity to cut and run as they do.

[mathprof]

How many academics were murdered during Saddam's regime?

[GSlob]

Well, senior saddamite academics were not scientists but rather functionaries in the field of science. As far as these are concerned, it serves them right.

[TexasCajun]

Anyone checking across the border in Iran?

[trashcanbred]

I did not read this article as a "please cut and run because the academics are being killed". They note one academic as being shot after appearing on Al Jazera. In addition they make comments about being concerned that if they fail a student... they could get the axe.

Not all "academics" sit back in ivory towers and do nothing all day. Many chemists and chemical engineers in universities for example consult in the private sector. If these people are being targeted then it is a great cause for concern because they are needed to help companies and the government rebuild the infrastructure. They are also needed to teach the next generation how to do it as well.

[msnimje]

And that is a bad thing because......?

Look at all the harm so-called "academics" cause in this country.

[talleyman]

I think we should send them some...

[rightinthemiddle]

"It is a big loss when we lose a professor or a scientist because they are the elite of society,"

________

"elite of society." That says it all.

[Proud_USA_Republican]

I guess the religion of peace has declared a fartwa stating that chemistry is unislamic.

[rebrane]

Well, do you know how they make the ink to print cartoons? That's right... chemistry! You can see that this is where the problem really started.

[thomaswest]

This is a silly comment.

For all of us who care that Iraq becomes a stable, functioning democracy--as Bush wants--it is impossible without good teachers. Without teachers of electrical engineering and students who learn, who will maintain and repair the electrical grid? Without teachers of petroleum engineering and students, who will maintain the oil fields, pipelines, and refineries? Without law professors and their students, who will re-establish the justice system in Iraq--leave it to the imams and mullahs? The same goes for computer, internet, and telecommunications expertise, for factory management, for architecture and building, medicine and health, etc.

This report--if true--is a serious matter.

[MNJohnnie]

There not all leaving Thomas. It is more Junk Journalism Chicken Little hysteria.

[SENTINEL]

I see that even Iraq is "looked after" by ivory tower snobs.

If they really wanted to help, they'd put down their books and pick up a rifle.

[thomaswest]

Doesn't read like junk journalism to me.

And you seem gleeful that they are going to leave if they have the opportunity. Like all other Academics, they would much rather be fat, dumb and happy on a US Campus pulling down big bucks then stuck in a 3rd world crap hole. Who WOULD NOT leave Iraq if they could?

Perhaps academics is not your strong point, and you fear/dislike professors?

[fzx12345]

Who's the new keyword troll?

[newguy357]

"It is a big loss when we lose a professor or a scientist because they are the elite of society," said Muthafar, now minister of higher education

Haha, the elite of society. It's good he is so humble.

[GSlob]

Of course it is. Neither the prophet, nor his companions, wives, camels or goats ever used chemistry.