BAGHDAD, Iraq, April 1, 2004 — Students of Mustansirihya University freely exchanged ideas among themselves and with leaders from the Coalition Provisional Authority and Task Force 1st Armored Division during an open forum held at Baghdad University March 29.

“It’s important that students are able to talk to those individuals who can provide them answers with their concerns about the university, the interim constitution and other issues they may be facing,” said forum moderator Maj. Robert Davis, 1st Brigade Combat Team information officer.

Responding to the students’ questions was a four-member panel: Ed White, Coalition Provisional Authority Ambassador; Maj. Gen. Martin Dempsey, 1st Armored Division commanding general; Col. Peter Mansoor, 1st Brigade commander; and, Lt. Col. John Kem, 16th Engineer Battalion commander.

“I look forward to a spirited exchange where we encourage you to ask any questions that may be on your mind,” Mansoor said in opening remarks to the forum.

More than 100 students attended the meeting. Their questions ranged from security of the university, withdrawal of American forces from Iraq, current curriculum standards and the status of basic infrastructure services such as power and water.

Students spoke with zeal on each of these issues but the absence of the Iraqi flag provoked the most heated exchange.

“How can you not call this an occupation? How can you call us a free Iraq when only the American flag stands behind you?” asked one student.

This question would prove to be a significant issue as several student speakers commented on the absence of the flag.

After the fourth student raised the issue, Mansoor explained the error.

This was the third student forum held, he said. During the previous two, the Iraqi flag had stood next to the American flag. The location of the forum had moved from its originally planned location of Mustansirihya University to Baghdad University.

“There wasn’t an Iraqi flag at the facility,” Mansoor said. “Its absence was a regrettable error. No offense was intended.”

While engaging the panel in discussion, students also took the opportunity to address their peers.

“I, for one, would like to thank the coalition for all that they have done,” said an engineering student. “I disagree with many (the students) that (coalition forces) should leave Iraq immediately. We are not yet ready to stand on our own.”

The comment launched the student body into a heated discussion until the forum moderator reestablished control and got the meeting back on track.

After an hour of discussion, the forum broke for refreshments and gave the students an opportunity for worship. Reconvening half an hour later, a smaller audience picked up where it left off, engaging the panel for an additional 45 minutes.

Davis, bringing the forum to a close, thanked the students and the panel members for their attendance and time and offered hope that forums of this nature would continue in the future.

“There are many people who would intimidate you to think a certain way,” Dempsey told the students. “It is important to note, we don’t care what you think, as long as you are free to come to that conclusion on your own.”