Dahouk University holds graduation ceremony

Dahouk, Iraq Press, July 9 - Amid signs of increasing stability in the semi-independent
Kurdish enclave in northern Iraq, the University of Dahouk held a ceremony to celebrate the
graduation of 307 of its students.

The batch included 19 postgraduate students, among them a Ph.D. holder - the highest
degree the university has awarded since its foundation in 1992.

The enclave, administered by rebel Kurds away from central government authority in
Baghdad, is showing signs of healthier economy. New schools, shopping centers larger than
those in Baghdad and infrastructure projects are being built across the region.

The enclave's two main rival factions - Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Patriotic
Union of Kurdistan (PUK) - have taken serious steps to improve ties and set up a joint
administration.

The growing stability and an improved economy have already lured several Kurdish
university professors in Europe to take up teaching posts in the region's three universities.

Most professors at Dahouk University are Kurds with degrees from Iraqi universities. The
teaching staff also includes Arab professors and expatriate Kurds.

Scores of expatriate Kurdish professors attended a symposium in Arbil in April held to
discuss higher education in the region. Delegates from the region's three universities - Arbil,
Sulaimaniya and Dahouk - were also present
-----------------------