It's not just in Iraq, but in the entire Middle East where Christians have been persecuted for a thousand years. However, as civil society breaks down the threat to Christians increase. This MEMRI report puts the whole thing into context. Here's a taste:

Shortly after the fall of Saddam, Islamists, who took control of the streets of many Iraqi cities, began to target Christian owners of liquor stores. They first ordered the owners to close their businesses; if the owners failed to comply, the Islamists gutted the stores and often killed the owners. An example is liquor merchant Bashir Toma Alias, who was shot in the head in the center of a bazaar in Basra while on his way home to celebrate Christmas....

The report goes on to warn that unless these "Islamic terrorists" are brought to justice, "Iraqi Chaldeans will continue to be an easy target for such criminals who are bent on imposing their distorted version of Islam by force." It was reported that in the southern city of Basra, the second largest city in Iraq, armed Shi'ite groups with names such as "The Revenge of Allah," "Hizbullah," and "The Organization of Islamic Doctrines," roam the streets to mete out "Islamic punishment" on traders and users of alcohol, as well as on prostitutes. Four hundred Christian stores were closed. According to Faysal Abdullah, the head of the Organization of Islamic Doctrines, Islam "rewards those who seek martyrdom and who were designated by Allah to uproot vice."

Often the police stand idly by in the face of crimes committed in their presence because they are afraid of the armed Islamists or because they sympathize with their aims.

I would only add that Christians have never been allowed to fully practice their religion. Islamic law forbids conversion to Christianity (or any other religion) and prescribes the death penalty for those who would openly attempt to proseletyze Muslims. Not a single Muslim country--whether it be 'moderate' or not--allows true freedom of religion in that regard.

Posted by: Rusty at 04:22 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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