Cornell University has a long-standing interest in Mesopotamian studies, recently bolstered by the addition of new faculty in Assyriology and Archaeology, who add to an already diverse faculty in ancient Mediterranean and ancient Near Eastern studies, early Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and the modern Middle East. Our principal interest in joining TAARII is to ensure that scholarly relationships between and among American research institutions and our Iraqi colleagues continue. We are also committed to the study of culture and society in early Iraq through the written and material record. In addition, Archaeology faculty from several departments recently created the Cornell Institute of Archaeology and Material Studies to coordinate and promote advanced research and training in those fields.