BAGHDAD -- After a week of fighting, Iraqi forces claim they're closing in on Tikrit. On Tuesday they seized the town of Alam, just 5 miles from the city.

General Saad Maan of Iraq's Interior Ministry CBS News

"Now we are surrounding Tikrit from four directions," said General Saad Maan of Iraq's Interior Ministry.

Maan dismissed criticism from America's top general - Martin Dempsey - of Iraqi forces' lack of readiness.

"We are not kids in our work," Maan told me. "We have skills, we have a very big amount of experience."

But in Tikrit, progress is painfully slow, as ISIS fights back with weapons including mines and suicide bombs. A video on the internet appears to shows an Iraqi soldier sobbing for his fallen comrades after an ISIS truck bomb killed severalrespective countries.” Alumni Noha Salama agrees, saying events like these help alumni meet and network, particularly useful for those looking to make career changes.

While they mingled, guests were treated to both popular hits and authentic live German music. Tracks like “Hey Baby” (If you will be my girl) got the crowd to their feet, with everybody standing on their chairs, dancing and singing along.

Xavier de Bergeyck, a chapter leader from Belgium who traveled to attend the event feels that events like these open various possibilities and demonstrate alumni support for both EU and the association. He loved the event as meeting up with his old classmates allowed him to relive his student days.

The event proved interesting for all. German alumni shared their knowledge of Bavarian culture and the