“When I was at Penn, International Law and Public Service were not featured elements of the curriculum or the school culture,” he writes.
“I understand, however, that this has changed and Penn is now a leader in Public Interest Law. I will always be grateful to Penn Law School for providing me with an exceptional education and with the financial aid that made it possible for me to attend the school. I only hope that I have proven myself worthy of its confidence.”

Groarke says his career path was defined by a profound commitment to public service, particularly in the foreign affairs and national security areas. I also value greatly the opportunity to have meaningful and challenging work. My present job provides me with the opportunity to satisfy both of those priorities.

Groarke does not buy into the growing state of pessimism concerning this country’s future in Iraq, a widening concern for many Americans. “I remain optimistic, because in this business you have to be optimistic. I don’t know what kind of government Iraq will eventually have, but it will be an Iraqi, not an American creation,” he believes. Finally, he was asked: Do you think America will have any success in setting up Democratic institutions in Iraq?

John Groarke’s response: “If I’ve learned one thing, it’s that democracy cannot be imposed externally. We can help install democratic institutions, but we cannot create or impose the values needed for a modern democracy or for a constitutional government.”