Voices from the classroom

To view injustice with hatred is one thing; to not only see the light at the end of the tunnel, but also spark the fire that illuminates the darkness is another. Professor Mohammed always strives to be that flame, and it is that openness and optimism that I will forever carry as the match to light the way amid uncertainty.

In Omar Mohammed’s classroom, there was a palpable energy, so strong that I never saw a single student sitting idle. One day, I saw our instructor glowing with a joy I had never witnessed before — he had prepared a simulation exercise, and in the courtyard we reenacted a session of UNESCO. The energy that once gave him the strength to endure his darkest memories carried over into his classroom and reached his students.

Thank you Mr. Mohammed for making sure that we left your classes with curiosity, empathy and knowing not to mix milk in our coffee.

My time in class with Dr. Mohammed was without a doubt the most memorable and interesting of my academic curriculum. The power of his lived experiences, his humor, his sensibility, and his deep intellectual curiosity — these made his teaching unforgettable.

Omar surpassed all of my expectations as my professor. From the first minute, our preconceptions on counterterrorism were attacked. Over the course of the class, he opened up an environment for us to kindly challenge our peers, which led to some of the most thought-provoking conversations I have ever experienced.

Omar has been one of the most memorable teachers I have had. His sincerity and audacity in making his students debate and discover the complexity and beauty of Middle Eastern cultures have deeply shaped my academic journey.

Without Omar Mohammed, I would have never even considered pursuing my current degree in International Security. His class in counter-terrorism and international relations was one of the most fascinating and eye-opening courses I took at university — it took just one session for me to discover exactly what I wanted to do with my life. His passion for teaching and his courage in sharing his story continue to inspire me every day. I hope Mosul Eye can be as life-changing as being Omar’s student was for me — a reminder of the power a single, brave person can hold in shining light and hope in the darkest moments.

Your teaching has had a profound impact on me. It has inspired my decision to pursue a Master’s degree in Security and Defense next year, and your course has truly been instrumental in shaping my academic and professional path.

Your emphasis on preserving and representing culture as closely connected to identity showed that it is not an objective historical representation, but is influenced by political and social interpretations over time — making it a powerful tool in diplomacy, and an expression of resilience in times of war.

Ce fut un véritable honneur d’apprendre auprès d’Omar. Sa passion pour l’enseignement surpasse toutes les épreuves et sa sagesse continue de me guider aujourd’hui.

I will never forget my counterterrorism class at Sciences Po — one of those rare courses that stays deeply with you as you try to make sense of the world.

This class was truly one of the best I have ever taken. You were a dedicated, challenging, yet caring teacher — and of course extremely knowledgeable. I am proud to have been one of your students.