Once, Baghdad University was one of the most prominent institutions of higher education among all the Arab countries, perhaps second only to Cairo University. In all Iraq, built up about thirteen universities, fifty-five specialized colleges, and more than a hundred scientific centers. Each academic year, more than 250,000 students attended these universities and colleges, and Iraq used to award more than a thousand master's and doctoral degrees annually. For scientists during the regime of the Baath Party, academic life was active in many ways. There were active research agendas, dozens of scientific societies and journals, cooperation with universities around the world, and extensive programs of continuing education and consultation work. Today, Baghdad University is only a shell of its former self. There are a few bright lights in academic life: a recent increase in monthly salary, better computer facilities, and satellite and Internet communications. Still, Iraq is missing the most basic part of life, which is security. Iraquis are in fear from the moment they leave their homes to head to the university: fear of explosions, fear of what may happen while they are stuck in a traffic jam created by U.S. military police, fear of the military police checkpoint, and fear of the students who now belong to so many religious and nonreligious parties. There is also the problem of electricity shutdowns, which make it impossible to do laboratory work. Keep in mind that almost all of the scientific equipment is old, and they also lack the raw materials needed. Our academic activities no longer have their old rhythm. Most faculty members do nothing at all except teach basic subjects. Now, there is no personal initiative to do research or to properly supervise a student's thesis. Communicate is by phone, from home. Scientific societies are inactive. There is no mail from outside countries, and no communication with Arab or foreign universities. In many ways, universities are worse off today than they were during sanctions. There are no conferences; there is no consultation work.