I have had the tremendous pleasure of coaching and getting to know the Iraqi debate team over the course of this week, and it seems clear to me that all of the debaters have a great deal of potential to improve and excel. Their enthusiasm and cheerfulness will stand them in good stead as they continue to practice and compete, and I think there are a number of specific factors to be considered as this program develops.

First, the debaters are clearly very bright; I’ve seen them quickly generate a number of clever arguments and rebuttals, particularly as I led them in a practice debate on the sale of organs at Al Wakra school. The generation and organization of arguments will undoubtedly improve further with time and as the debaters’ English improves.

On that note, English-speaking skills vary somewhat widely among the debaters I’ve worked with, and it will be important for all of the debaters to continue to practice and hone their English to become competitive.

I think another concern going forward may be the debaters’ self-confidence. As the Iraqi debate program gains momentum, it will be important for these and other debaters to become enthusiastic about and committed to debate, and they’ll need a willingness to put themselves out there and compete to gain experience and confidence in their abilities.

All in all, I think the Iraqi debate program clearly has a great deal of potential to grow and produce internationally competitive debaters, and I hope very much to keep in touch with the people I have met and perhaps to be involved with the program as it evolves.

Sincerely,
Andrew Laing