“They say they want us to stay, but they don’t mean it. If they mean it, then they would protect us more.”
More on this story. “Iraqi Christians Shaken By Slayings,” from AINA, April 28:
Among the side effects of the war in Iraq is the deteriorating safety condition of the Christians in that country. The overthrow of Sadaam [sic] Husein unfortunately created a power vacuum has been filled by Muslims whose interpretation of Islam is dangerous to both political dissent and to religious minorities….
Is there an interpretation of Islam that is at once mainstream, authoritative, and hospitable to political dissent and religious minorities? If you know of such a sect or school, please send me details of it at director[at]jihadwatch.org.
The killings took place in Kirkuk, a city about 190 miles from Baghdad that is riddled with ethnic divisions and hostilities. In a country that is at a crossroads between democracy and theocracy, the future of Christians, Yazidis, Mandaeans and other minorities is uncertain.
No one has claimed responsibility for the killings, although some have pointed to Al Qaeda as a possible culprit in the anti Christian terrorism. Because nothing was taken in any of the killings, religious hatred is suspected as a motive.
Many Christians fear that a sudden and complete pullout by the Americans from Iraq would lead to wholesale slaughter of Christians. AINA News reports as follows of the widespread concern in Iraq’s Christian community.
“We know if America leaves they will come and kill us. They think we have something to do with them and they think we have money. The Iraqi government is happy if all Christians leave. They say they want us to stay, but they don’t mean it. If they mean it, then they would protect us more,” says Masoud Gallozi.
Many are distrustful of the promises of the Obama administration AINA reports as follows of the reaction in America’s Chaldean community.
“Chaldeans in America are frustrated over President Obama’s handling of the Middle East issues. “There were many Chaldeans fooled into believing the new administration would pressure the Iraqi government to get serious about properly protecting Chaldeans. These Chaldeans sent an e-mail of a letter by Obama and his people showing he was concerned. It was just another lie from this man. A lie that is leaving our people vulnerable. Those who supported him are partly to blame,” a frustrated James Selmu declares.”
The perceived wealth of Iraq’s Christian community combined with their small numbers makes the Chaldeans an easy target. The community has a presence in Iraq predating the arrival of Islam by centuries. Their language and culture is a living link to the beginnings of Christianity. The demise of this ancient community would be not only a moral failure but a loss to the world as well.