Al-Mustansiriya University
Baghdad, Iraq  2002

     Al-Mustansiriya is the oldest Arabian Islamic University for the studies of theology, astronomy, philosophy and mathematics. It was first opened in 1226 AD. Education is highly valued in Iraq and is free for all, from the very lowest levels up through university. However, because of sanctions, medical schools, the University of Baghdad and others that use English, have not been able to import textbooks. Paper and pencils are also either banned or in short supply because of sanctions and the poor economy.

CSpaulding
January 2003