The first post-Saddam school year is nearing an end in Iraq, and while textbooks have been edited to remove the most egregious of the regime’s lies, much more must be done to provide a foundation for Iraqi democracy. The challenge is enormous: how to introduce critical thought? Liberal arts? Fact-based history? A new academic curriculum for all schools levels? And how can all this be done without colonial overtones?

AEI is pleased to host John Agresto, who for the last nine months has been the senior adviser on higher education and scientific research at the Coalition Provisional Authority, to discuss his insights on the progress made thus far and goals for the future. He will be joined by a panel of experts, including Ahmed al-Rahim, Eleana Gordon, and Hillel Fradkin.