By Mustafa Qeyteweny- London
Christians in Iraq are facing a grave situation marked by a series of distressing events that pose a severe threat to their presence and influence. Despite the historical theological commonalities between Christianity and Islam, recent political developments in Iraq and the surrounding region have adversely impacted the relationship between Muslims and Christians, undermining the once-prevailing mutual respect deeply embedded in Kurdish culture.
Over the past six months, there have been alarming incidents that highlight this troubling trend:
- The revocation of Cardinal Louis Sako's appointment as the Kldan Patriarch, along with similar dismissive actions targeting key Christian figures.
- A tragic arson incident at a wedding hall in the Baghdeda/Hamdania area of Ninawa Valley during a Christian wedding resulted in 150 casualties.
- Obstructions to Christian education in their native Syriac language.
- The misappropriation of political representation quotas intended for Christians by other factions was coerced by the Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashd Al-Shaabi).
These events paint a distressing picture of a society moving away from pluralism towards a hegemonic force dictating the fate of all its members. The challenges faced by Christians are likened to a modern-day crucifixion, echoing the metaphorical and literal suffering of Christ.
In response to these issues, the formation of the Hammurabi List in Kurdistan reflects a feeble political attempt that has failed to garner significant electoral support. This failure mirrors a broader pattern of Christian political underrepresentation. The onus and hope now rest on the Kurdistan Democratic Party (PDK) and the Kurdistan Patriotic Union (PUK) to uphold the historical balance and the valuable contributions of the Christian community, which have long supported Kurdish achievements and international esteem.
Moving forward, it is imperative to acknowledge and actively protect and include the Christian community. This ensures that the diverse tapestry of the region remains intact and vibrant, preserving the rich legacy of coexistence and cooperation that has characterized the past relationship between Muslims and Christians.