On February 14th, 2019, the Consul General for the U.S. Consulate in Basrah, Mr. Timmy Davis, and the Political Affairs Officer of the consulate visited Tishk International University (TIU). The visitors were warmly welcomed by the President of the University, Dr Idris Hadi Head Of Board Of Trustees, and the staff of the International Relations Office.

The Consul General and the Political Affairs Officer then held a meeting with a number of TIU students from the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy, and one of the lecturers from the same department, Dr Hawraman Ali.

In the meeting, and in response to the students’ interests and questions, Mr Timmy Davis, discussed the practicality of being a diplomate, and the challenges and opportunities that diplomats may face in their careers. One other topic that was discussed was the Black History Month.

Overall, the students and the staff from the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy were very pleased that the university had organised such a valuable opportunity for the students to hear the views of an experienced US diplomat on diplomacy and diplomatic affairs in practice.

Mr Timmy Davies has held several diplomatic positions in the US before his current assignment. He has worked as Special Assistant to former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Director for Iraq at the National Security Council of the US, and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Special Presidential Envoy to Counter ISIS. This was therefore undoubtedly an important event for the students to enrich their knowledge in their chosen field of study. Lastly, before departing, the guests enjoyed lunch with their TIU hosts and the students.