Kirkuk college students openly address security concerns

Photo By Spc. Jessica Luhrs-Stabile | University of Kirkuk students fill out questionnaires about issues and concerns they have with the school and Kirkuk, Jan. 11.  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

01.11.2010

Story by Pfc. Jessica Luhrs-Stabile 

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq — More than 100 students of the University of Kirkuk met with the Iraqi 3rd Battalion Emergency Service Unit, a member of the Kirkuk Provincial Reconstruction Team of the U.S. Embassy, and Soldiers of the 1st Platoon, Company D, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, also known as the "Punishers," to hold an open discussion at the university, Jan. 11.

During the discussion, the students were able to ask questions regarding concerns they might have or anything they would want to know about the ESU and find out information on universities in the U.S.

Col. Fouad Siniora, the deputy commander of the 3rd Bn., and Maj. Kamal A. El Kamali, director of public relations for the battalion were present to answer the questions concerning the ESU.

Many of the questions the students had were linked to security issues and general questions about ESU activities in the area.

The ESU assured the students that they were working to make the university more secure to help them learn, but it needed to be a joint effort, according to Kamali.

"You [the students] are a part of the people that will help to make this country prosper. You are the future of Kirkuk, and we will help to protect you as long as you help us," Kamali said.

For the ESU to do their job in capturing the insurgents, the students need to help with reporting any suspicious activities that they notice, Kamal added.

"The university is responsible for assisting the ESU in keeping this area safe by reporting crimes."

Siniora even gave out his phone number to the students so they could report the activities to him directly, according to 1st Lt. Patrick Murphy, platoon leader for the "Punishers."

Also during the meeting, the students were able to ask questions of Stacy Barrios, a public diplomacy officer with the Kirkuk Provincial Reconstruction Team of the U.S. Embassy.

During the discussion with Barrios, the students talked about their hopes, dreams and concerns for the future.

Many of the students said they aspire to learn English and continue their education at universities in the U.S.

Barrios informed the students of the different scholarships and grants available to both students and the professors through the U.S. Embassy.

One of the professors for the University of Kirkuk is currently slated to go to the U.S. this year to build his skills to educate his students, according to Barrios.

The main concern of the students for their futures was the availability of jobs following their graduation of Kirkuk University, according to the students.

"No one but you is responsible for finding a job after graduation, but the Iraqi government, along with the U.S. government, is building the economy in Kirkuk which will help the graduates find jobs," Barrios responded.

Kamali, members of the PRT and the U.S. forces plan to have many more of these meetings with the students around Kirkuk, so the future of Iraq will have a better understanding of the purpose of the ESU and ways to better their future.

• Date Taken: 01.11.2010
• Date Posted: 01.13.2010 23:52
• Story ID: 43795
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ