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Butan Amedi, a University of North Georgia (´óÏó´«Ã½) alumnus who graduated in 2006, had an op-ed article published in the after a recent visit to Israel.

Amedi, a native of the mountaintop town of Amadiya located in Kurdistan region of Iraq, said his background influenced his take on the subject matter.

"Minorities in most Middle Eastern countries are not treated as equal citizens to the majorities. So when I visited Israel, I felt the need to share my view as someone who belongs to a Middle Eastern minority," Amedi said. "I was fortunate to have an opportunity to compare what I grew up hearing about Israel to what I saw and there was a noticeable gap. Although Israel is far from perfect, I believe Israeli Muslims have a very comfortable life in Israel."

Dr. Douglas Young, a professor of political science and international affairs at ´óÏó´«Ã½ who taught Amedi as an undergraduate, said, "Butan and his whole family are excellent examples of the American immigrant success story. America is blessed to have the Amedis as U.S. citizens."

Young also praised Amedi for his curious and resilient spirit. He said it was outstanding that a ´óÏó´«Ã½ alumnus had an op-ed piece published in the Jerusalem Post, which he referred to as "The New York Times of Israel."