Baghdad Patriarch Tells Pope that the Iraqi Christian Tragedy is Rooted in Superpowers' Selfishness

AsiaNews ^ | 8/5/14

[marshmallow]

In a letter to Pope Francis, eastern patriarchs and the presidents of bishops' conferences around the world, Mar Sako calls on the international community to come to grips with the situation and take "concrete actions". The survival of the Christian minority is at stake and a strong stance is needed, even by Muslims. He appeals for help and solidarity.

Baghdad (AsiaNews) - The international community and the world's superpowers must realise the need for "concrete actions of solidarity" for Iraqi Christians because the "very survival" of the minority in the country and in middle East is at stake, said Raphael Louis I Sako, Chaldean Patriarch of Baghdad, in a message to Pope Francis, eastern patriarchs and the presidents of Bishops' Conferences, which was sent to AsiaNews for wider dissemination.

His Beatitude calls for an "appeal to your heart," looking for a "solution" that is "only in the hands of the international community", in particular of the "superpowers" who have a "human and moral responsibility."

In Iraq, for Christians the situation is getting worse as they flee their homes from Mosul, and now from other cities of the north, in the plain of Nineveh, like Sinjar, Telkef, Batnaya and Telleskuf.

Sunni Islamist militias have imposed strict sharia rule and a de facto Caliphate, forcing minorities to flee or pay jizya, the poll tax normally exacted from "infidels".

Faced with a never-ending tragedy, the patriarch of Baghdad addresses directly world powers, asking them to drop their "self-interest" and join together to achieve a "peaceful political solution" that alone can put an end to the conflict.

These "powers", which Mar Sako does not mention directly, should " vigorously exercise their pressure" on those who provide "economic support" and entertain "military ties" with the Islamists. The objective is to "cut the roots of violence and..........

[Uncle Miltie]

‘Cause it couldn’t be Islam’s fault.

[Flintlock]

With this bunch, there just AIN’T NO ‘PEACEFUL or POLITICAL’ SOLUTION.

It’ll be buckets of blood—either over there, or over here—depending on WHEN we decide to fight.

Hopefully, soon and over there.

[livius]

These "powers", which Mar Sako does not mention directly, should " vigorously exercise their pressure" on those who provide "economic support" and entertain "military ties" with the Islamists.

The problem is that the US has become one of those who "provide 'economic support'" and entertain 'military ties' with the Islamists."

Even when we have not actively supported the Islamists, or not in any way that our fingerprints are on it, we have consistently destabilized and then abandoned the struggling civil societies in favor of the Islamists and the most radical forces. That was what the "Arab Spring" was all about, and that's what is causing all the suffering for the Iraqi Christians now.

[Organic Panic]

If they were likely to vote democrat there would be C130 convoys night and day to bring them the the US. Hard working tough Iraqi Christians do not make good political victims.

[Little Ray]

Gee, Pope, doncha think it is time to use the “C” word: Crusade?

[Capt. Tom]

Mar Sako also appeals to the Islamic world, saying he was "shocked and outraged" by the lack of a "strong stance" by Muslims and their leaders against the terrorist movement, which he warns is a "threat to Muslims themselves."

Mar Sako sounds like another naive Infidel who doesn't understand the fundamentals of Islam.

He should take some time to read the Koran and Hadiths.
It's a different God with a different attitude than his belief in supernatural beings. -Tom

[Salvation]

Are we remembering this poem?

 

First They Came for the Jews

First they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Communists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left
to speak out for me.

~Pastor Martin Niemöller

Community and individuality are not opposites. People cannot survive on their own. When the odds are stacked against you, you must rally with the oppressed and hated.

When a growing oppressive regime is taking hold, you must act, otherwise you will soon face your enemy alone and hopeless.

Strength of community is a strength as much as individualism, as long you are willing to face weaknesses in your own community. Ignoring slacking values will mean that you will be rallied against by those you oppress.

Niemöller affirms we must rally against unhealthy organized regimes. We must also stay vigilant with those that appear to be good natured, as all organisation attracts corruption. Niemöller also warns us that if it is you who are corrupt, then you will face a stronger combined force of foe!

~Vexen Crabtree