Ibrahim Al-Hajjri, ICAR M.S. Student
While this fall’s Master’s cohort brought in fascinating individuals from all around the globe, rising second semester MS student Ibrahim Al-Hajjri possesses a particularly interesting story concerning his path to ICAR.
Although born in Yemen, Ibrahim was raised “in scattered areas all around the world.” Describing a constant “interest in the dynamics of violent conflicts,” he initially pursued a military education, graduating from Zayed II Military College in the United Arab Emirates. After working as a military officer, Ibrahim decided that he was in need of an even greater understanding of violence, and decided to enroll at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey California. At Monterey he earned the distinction of the first Yemeni graduate with a Masters Degree in National Security Affairs, specializing in the Middle East and North Africa.
While he felt his understanding of violent conflicts had grown, Ibrahim sought still wider avenues for learning and exploration. “I returned to DC,” he remembers, “where my search began for the best institution that offered advanced studies in Peace Studies or Conflict Resolution.” It was in this search that Ibrahim was to encounter adjunct professor Alma Jadallah, and Director Andrea Bartoli, and subsequently “became convinced that [he] had to join ICAR.”
About to enter his second semester, Ibrahim is very pleased with his “amazing experience here at ICAR.” He plans to continue his education and pursue a PhD, hoping to conduct research that scrutinizes violent conflicts. “I’m not in this program to become something,” he explains, “I’m here for the learning experience, and the chance to give and share knowledge.”