Rescuing Iraqi Christians
Author: David L. Phillips
Publication Date: 30/9/2020
Source: Chaldean News
There are at least 150,000 Chaldean-Americans living in Michigan with extended family in the Nineveh Plains of northern Iraq and East Syria. Chaldean-Americans represent an important constituency. However, the Trump administration has failed to address their concerns. Self-government, security, and economic development are critical to their survival.
Chaldean, Syriac, and Assyrian Christians represent some of the oldest Christian communities in the world. Their culture and religious identity are rooted in Mesopotamia’s Sumer, Babylon, and Assyrian civilizations.
I have visited Chaldean churches in the Nineveh Plains and can attest to their beauty and rich cultural heritage. I have also met Chaldean community and religious leaders in Hankawa in the Mosul Diocese. They described their victimization by the Baath Party, the Islamic State, and Shiite-led governments in the “new Iraq.” Today, the Chaldean population is shrinking as they flee persecution and suffer neglect.
Minority rights in international law encompasses the protection of minority groups. In countries like Iraq that are emerging from violent conflict, further measures are needed to promote minority rights.
The US can play a critical role in preserving Chaldean Christian culture, using its influence to shape policies that protect and promote Chaldean civilization. Without active engagement by the US, Christians in Iraq may disappear.
The interests of Chaldeans would be served through self-governing institutions at local and governorate levels. Power-sharing would involve the establishment of a competent local executive and local assembly.
Security is also a major concern. Local police should be drawn from Chaldean communities they serve. The administration of justice can be achieved through local courts with Chaldean judges.
Security also requires the removal of Iran-backed militias. Their complicity with Shabaks seeks to change the demography across the Nineveh Plains.
Legal reform should also address policies that allow the Islamification of Christians, especially youth. Economic marginalization of Iraq’s Christians is standard practice. Christian properties in Baghdad, Dohuk, and other governates are routinely seized.
Property ownership is part and parcel with economic rights benefiting Chaldeans. Economic rights include local control over natural resources, land management, and hiring preferences for Chaldeans, especially in public service positions.
The Nineveh Plains has potential as a tourist destination for pilgrims who want to visit Biblical sites. Nineveh is first mentioned in Genesis 10:11: “Ashur left that land, and built Nineveh.” The ancient ruin of Kuyunjiq towers 66 feet above the plain. Churches and convents in the Christian villages of Bashiqa, Teleskuf and Qaraqosh have recently been rebuilt.
Chaldeans demand religious and cultural rights, which go hand in hand. Cultural rights are enshrined in the form of language, media, cultural festivals, and cultural symbols.
Education is also a core concern. Chaldeans are developing a curriculum that highlights the historic role of Christians in Iraq. The curriculum should be applied across Iraq in schools and mosques. Raising awareness will encourage mutual understanding and social harmony.
Link: https://www.chaldeannews.com/features-1/2020/9/27/rescuingiraqichristians
