,
6 tweets,
5 min read
Read on Twitter
10 years ago today I hosted a birthday party & farewell bash for my 25 Iraqi Young Leaders at my home in #RVA I served strawberries ice cream & cake, soft drinks. They consumed about 6 quarts of strawberries, &sang the birthday song in English, Arabic & Kurdish. @StateDept 1/
@StateDept 2/Last summer they posted that 10 yrs b4 they'd gathered in the Green Zone to apply 4 IYLEP. I decided we should have a Virtual Reunion this year. We will have that virtual reunion this Saturday using a Facebook Group. They're all safe, but a scattered flock, UK,SWE,FR,AU,US,Iraq
@StateDept 3/ The Program was started by @HillaryClinton & funded via grant from US Embassy in Baghdad. They were studying premedicine, dentistry, pharmacy so they toured our medical, dental, pharmacy schools. I wrote several letters for them after they graduated & they're practing now.
@StateDept @HillaryClinton 4/ This kind of "soft power" makes a difference, but these were the first kinds of programs slashed at @StateDept I think the Saudis are sending students to the US now. I had several Saudi students in the graduate course for scientists I taught. @SecPompeo
@StateDept @HillaryClinton @SecPompeo 5/ In my view, there is a great return on investment for spending for this kind "soft power." I hope @SecPompeo will continue similar activities. This Saturday we'll meet online & share our latest photos. They're married, some w children, practicing professionals. Safe, Inshallah
