"Am I therefore become your enemy,because I TELL YOU THE TRUTH...?"
(Galatians 4:16)

Increasing Fears of Assyrian Genocide in Iraq

BAGHDAD-According to Assyrian Christian leaders in Iraq , the future existence of Iraq's dwindling Christian population hangs in the balance as violence continues unabated.The Assyrian International News Agency (AINA) reported that blame is being leveled at the Iraqi government’s lack of response, as well as what AINA dubbed inaction by Coalition forces in the face of mounting attacks against areas heavily populated by Christians.According to AINA, the primary focus of the community's concerns now centers on the deteriorating security situation of the Assyrian Christians in the Dora neighborhood of Baghdad, located a few miles southwest of the city. Prior to the war, the predominantly Christian neighborhood was home to over 5000 Christian households. Since the war and the subsequent insurgency, most people have fled the area.Some observers have noted that the recent threats and attacks have escalated proportionately as the insurgents have experienced increased attacks. On May 18, St. George Church was burned down by Islamist arsonists. The same church had survived an earlier bombing along with five other churches on Oct.16 2004. On May 20, Fr. Hanna was kidnaped in Baghdad. AINA reported that in April Christian residents of Dora were given an ultimatum to either pay the jizya, a "protection" tax demanded by the Koran, convert to Islam, or leave. Those choosing to leave were reportedly not allowed to take their possessions with them, as these were said to "now belong to the mosque."At least 21 families unable to circumvent the insurgent forces besieging the neighborhood have found refuge in nearby churches, AINA reported. The church burning has heightened fears that even churches are no longer safe for Assyrian Christians.
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As in the days of Noah...