RESISTING TERROR

Preventing a Christian exodus from Iraq
Christians and Muslims in Iraq have lived peacefully together for generations. But the bombing of at least five churches in Iraq last Sunday is an extremely worrying development and one that could drive a wedge between the two faiths. While the bombings were unexpected, there have been signs of hostility towards Christians. Several Christian businesses that sell alcohol had already been attacked. But, overall, most Muslims still view Christians as fellow Iraqis, rather than representatives of a decadent West or allies of the Americans. The churches targeted were Chaldean Catholic, Syrian Catholic, Armenian and Assyrian. That the bombers chose four different communities looks more deliberate than accidental. The message is clear: all Christians are now at risk of attack.
After the invasion, many Christians expressed optimism about an Iraq that had been freed from the control of Saddam Hussein. As the months have slipped by, and the Coalition forces have shown themselves unable to provide adequate security, water, electricity and employment, this optimism has faded.
The chaos that has emerged in the vacuum left by Saddam has helped various groups to strike more or less at will against not only the occupying forces but also the UN, the Red Cross, foreign nationals and, above all, Iraqis. The most dangerous job in the world today must be that of an Iraqi police officer.
It is vital that Christian and Muslim leaders speak out publicly against those who are wreaking havoc on a country that is sliding towards anarchy and civil war. They need to jointly assert their Iraqi national identity rather than religious differences.
The Christian population in Iraq has been in steady decline for at least 20 years. There are currently around 750,000 Christians in the country, with around 500,000 of them in Baghdad. Unless faith leaders unite, the deliberate targeting of Christians that we witnessed on Sunday will lead more Christians to pack their bags.