What is Wrong With (-S)?!

by Mahdi Mala Abdullah

The thing that is really bothering me about the decision of removing (-S) from the name of my university, The American University of Iraq- Sulaimani, is that they decided to change the name without even anticipating how our feeling would be look like. We, students, are a big part of this environment, so anyone who is responsible behind that decision should notice that we, students, have voice and our voice should be considered and counted.  The board trustees or the people who are behind that decision, we want you to

 explain the reasons behind that decision. It is our right to ask about that. There must be a big problem to have (-S) in the name of AUI-S, and we really want to understand that problem. Otherwise, why don’t we see these problems in the other American Universities not only in the United States, but also in the Middle East? For example, we have the American University of Cairo, not the American University of Egypt- Cairo without any problems. Similarly, we have the American University in Beirut, not the American University in Lebanon-Beirut. It is worth mentioning that AUI-S is unique environment because it combines Iraqis in almost all of the Iraqi provinces with out any problems. We have never heard any ethnicity or nationality issues among the members of the AUI-S. Since we are such a united environment, we really look forward to hearing from those who came up with the decisions convenient reasons in making such decision. We have not heard any reasonable points to change the name so far. Once you could prove the possibility of that decision, we would be delighted to say All Right. But it will be difficult for us to just nod and be silent not only because of the removing Sulaimani from the AUI-S, but also because of the importance behind our voice. We, students, consider ourselves as a major part of the university, so we are carious about what is going on around us, and we should be counted as a part of this environment.

Moreover, I am frankly speaking about this matter. It is not a matter of nationality and ethnicity, but it is the matter of our respect for this city. Since Sulaimnai is the most respectful place toward the member of this institution, and it is the only city in Iraq, where hosts the American University in deep in its heart, we strongly disagree to remove this name. Sulaimani should be exited in the name of this university for the moment that this university will exist. Sulaimani should be honored for the ground and the hospitality that it provides to AUI-S and its members so far.