Coordinated anti-Christian attacks in Baghdad killed at least three and injured several dozen on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning

[5Loaves]

(EWTN News/CNA) *New wave of attacks targets homes of Iraqi Christians
*
Excerpt from the story:

Coordinated anti-Christian attacks in Baghdad killed at least three and injured several dozen on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning…

National Public Radio’s Baghdad correspondent Kelly McEvers noted that when the militant group Islamic State of Iraq attacked the cathedral they demanded the release of women who supposedly converted to Islam and were allegedly being held against their will in Egypt.

“But now, it seems the group is targeting Christians simply because they’re Christians,” she said. “Survivors of the church siege said militants called them ‘infidels’ during the siege. Lately, statements on jihadi websites are saying that Christians are ‘legitimate targets’.”…

…“Al-Qaida said churches and Christians would be a target. This is proof that they are serious and that they mean what they say,” Archbishop Bashar Warda told ACN.

Warda, who is** the Chaldean Archbishop of Erbil** in northern Iraq, said the people are suffering “so much fear.”

“There is anger and distress and they don’t know where to turn,” he continued. “I have only one message and that is please pray for us. This is a really difficult time for us. It is just a mess.”

Archbishop Warda called for pressure on the government to provide adequate protection for Christians.

“What we are faced with here is not just a failure of security but a deliberate targeting of Christians,” he warned.

The prelate said the attacks would prompt a further exodus of Christians from Baghdad. He told ACN that until 2003 there were up to 40,000 Christian families living in the city but now there are barely 50 families…

BAGHDAD (Reuters) November 10, 2010, 5:58 pm

Excerpt

Bombings and mortar attacks targeting Christians killed at least three people and wounded dozens in Baghdad, Iraqi security sources said on Wednesday, 10 days after a bloody siege at a Catholic church that killed 52…

“What can we do? They are chasing Christians in every neighbourhood in Baghdad,” Emmanuel III Delly, the** Chaldean patriarch of Baghdad**, told Reuters in a telephone interview, his voice shaking. “We can’t do anything to stop them, but to pray to God they stop these crimes.”…

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[Tsuwano]

My prayers are with the Church in Iraq. May God bless and protect the faithful there.

 

[Romanova]

Lord, have mercy.

I will continue to pray for the Church in Iraq…

 

[Aramis]

Lord, have Mercy!

 

[priestswife]

praying for them…

 

[malphono]

The Christians of the Middle East have had a rough go for the 1300-some years since the Arab invasions, but

• we survived the Ommiyads
• we survived the Abbasids
• we survived the Fatamids
• we survived the Seljuks
• we survived the Ottomans

albeit with scars from each and every one of those overlords.

And now the descendants of those same invaders are hell-bent on doing what their forebearers were unable to accomplish, thanks in large measure to the misguided destabilization set into motion in 2003 in Iraq which has affected native Christians across the Middle East. While there is, unfortunately, no S Louis (Louis IX) to lead the resistance now, by the grace and power of God we will survive this onslaught too.

 

[Shiranui117]

Lord have mercy!

 

[KyivAndrew]

And now the descendants of those same invaders are hell-bent on doing what their forebearers were unable to accomplish, thanks in large measure to the misguided destabilization set into motion in 2003 in Iraq which has affected native Christians across the Middle East. .

I agree with what you say above.

Prayers for the Deceased and Wounded.

 

[GaryTaylor]

The Christians of the Middle East have had a rough go for the 1300-some years since the Arab invasions, but

• we survived the Ommiyads
• we survived the Abbasids
• we survived the Fatamids
• we survived the Seljuks
• we survived the Ottomans

albeit with scars from each and every one of those overlords.

And now the descendants of those same invaders are hell-bent on doing what their forebearers were unable to accomplish, thanks in large measure to the misguided destabilization set into motion in 2003 in Iraq which has affected native Christians across the Middle East. While there is, unfortunately, no S Louis (Louis IX) to lead the resistance now, by the grace and power of God we will survive this onslaught too.

Yes I agree, though this is sad, we have been struggling here for centurys. At least theres a military presence in a liberated country at the moment. There are certainly worse situations elsewhere in the world.

 

[Romanova]

Lord, have mercy…

Yes I agree, though this is sad, we have been struggling here for centurys. At least theres a military presence in a liberated country at the moment. There are certainly worse situations elsewhere in the world.

Can I ask where situations are worse? The Christians of Iraq are being martyred. Surely that is pretty bad, right? Your comment seems to brush off the current struggles of Iraqi Christians and minimize their plight as unimportant. But these are real people, our sisters and brothers in Christ, that we are talking about – and they are dying because of their faith. Please don’t suggest that they are not important.

 

[malphono]

Absolutely. In this case, it’s even worse than it might otherwise be: the residual foreign military presence merely exacerbates a bad situation, and does nothing at all to mitigate the dire plight of the ever-shrinking native Christian minority. It’s quite the contrary, as we can see from the sporadic news coverage. Of course this mess has infected the entire Middle East and thus affects native Christians from Egypt to the Persian border. And that’s not to mention what it has done to the world at large

As I mentioned earlier, the destabilization begun in 2003 has given the descendants of the invaders a chance to accomplish what their ancestors were unable to do. The previous dictatorship may have been less than optimal, but at least it was strictly secular and religious persecution was not tolerated. The only thing required of native Christians in those years was to keep mum about the government and the ruling party. In the wake of that destabilization, the “democratic” government is beholden to (perhaps controlled by is better) one particular religious faction which is not noted for its tolerance of anything beyond itself.

 

[malphono]

I really don’t see it as a “puppet” per-se. It is, perhaps more of a marionette with two opposing poles manipulating the strings which, of course, explains its near total inertia and ineffectiveness. But I do agree that, once the Western presence is gone (and maybe even before), there’s a very good chance (almost inevitable) that it will ultimately collapse. That may be for the best.

Considering the current situation and, actually, the situation as it has existed since the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, that is probably for the best. As I see it, unless the “federation route” is taken, (essentially restoring the same territorial divisions as existed under the Ottomans), the future of the minorities is very bleak to say the least. Short of a cameo by S Louis to defeat the progeny of the 7th-8th century invaders, perhaps the “federation” idea, coupled with foreign non-interference, will be enough to again diffuse the tensions, or at least put them back to where they were in Ottoman days. While the Kurds have proven that they can fend for themselves, the Jews are already gone, and that leaves the native Christians, along with a handful of other non-Arab minorities, to bear the brunt of the inter-Arab, (as well as explicitly anti-Christian), tensions.

This has implications far beyond Iraq: native Christians in Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and the Palestinian Territories, plus those in Turkey, Jordan, and Persia, are directly affected. And the rest of the world (including even some Arab and other states of the same majority religion) is indirectly affected.

 

[OrdinaryMelkite]

Absolutely. In this case, it’s even worse than it might otherwise be: the residual foreign military presence merely exacerbates a bad situation, and does nothing at all to mitigate the dire plight of the ever-shrinking native Christian minority. It’s quite the contrary, as we can see from the sporadic news coverage. Of course this mess has infected the entire Middle East and thus affects native Christians from Egypt to the Persian border. And that’s not to mention what it has done to the world at large

As I mentioned earlier, the destabilization begun in 2003 has given the descendants of the invaders a chance to accomplish what their ancestors were unable to do. The previous dictatorship may have been less than optimal, but at least it was strictly secular and religious persecution was not tolerated. The only thing required of native Christians in those years was to keep mum about the government and the ruling party. In the wake of that destabilization, the “democratic” government is beholden to (perhaps controlled by is better) one particular religious faction which is not noted for its tolerance of anything beyond itself.

So basically, once again, the U.S. is responsible for the deths of these Poor Christians. It’s ALL of our fault. The fanatical Muslims that did this had something to do with this, but ultimately the Greater Wrong was done by the U.S.

 

[malphono]

So basically, once again, the U.S. is responsible for the deths of these Poor Christians. It’s ALL of our fault. The fanatical Muslims that did this had something to do with this, but ultimately the Greater Wrong was done by the U.S.

What see now in the Middle East, and indeed in the rest of the word, is a direct result of meddling and unnecessary destabilization. This has been an ongoing problem since the Brits played their post-WWI game. Actually even before that. The events put into motion in 2003 are just the latest manifestation, but have had had the worst consequences. In case it escapes anyone, the plight of the native Christians in the entire Middle East has worsened markedly since that misguided action.

 

[dzheremi]

While I have more or less sworn off CAF, an Iraqi Christian friend of mine sent me a link the other day that prompted me to think of this place and share it here. Warning: This is incredibly emotional content.

Eye-witness to Baghdad church attack

This is the reality for Christians across Iraq, and has been and will be the reality for Christians across the Middle East for centuries to come, barring some literally miraculous change in the culture of the Islamically-occupied lands. Really look at it. Really face it for what it is.

In 1933, when the British betrayed the Christians of Iraq who had so well-served in the Assyrian levies, it led to the Simele massacre (one of the events that led to the coining of the term “genocide”). Once again the native Christians, who are the native people of Iraq, are at the mercy of circumstances they did not create and cannot control. Please consider donating to Iraqi Christian Relief or another appropriate organization. And, of course, pray.

 

[malphono]

While I have more or less sworn off CAF, an Iraqi Christian friend of mine sent me a link the other day that prompted me to think of this place and share it here. Warning: This is incredibly emotional content.

Eye-witness to Baghdad church attack

This is the reality for Christians across Iraq, and has been and will be the reality for Christians across the Middle East for centuries to come, barring some literally miraculous change in the culture of the Islamically-occupied lands. Really look at it. Really face it for what it is.

In 1933, when the British betrayed the Christians of Iraq who had so well-served in the Assyrian levies, it led to the Simele massacre (one of the events that led to the coining of the term “genocide”). Once again the native Christians, who are the native people of Iraq, are at the mercy of circumstances they did not create and cannot control. Please consider donating to Iraqi Christian Relief or another appropriate organization. And, of course, pray.

Thank you for this post. It is indeed sad, but it does represent the reality of things.

The ongoing negative effect of foreign meddling in Middle East affairs (in the past mainly by the Brits, but more recently by others) never ceases to amaze me. Egypt is a great example: the British stuck their noses in, established a “protectorate,” and immediately began missionary activity to convert the Copts to Protestantism! (I won’t even go into the British-sponsored 1860 debacle in Lebanon.) In more recent days, (since at least 1921), of course, we have the phenomenon of the unending homage to the petro-god and all that it has entailed. Could it be much more vile than that?

Yet, by prayer and the power of God, our people survive, if just barely.

 

[OrdinaryMelkite]

What see now in the Middle East, and indeed in the rest of the word, is a direct result of meddling and unnecessary destabilization. This has been an ongoing problem since the Brits played their post-WWI game. Actually even before that. The events put into motion in 2003 are just the latest manifestation, but have had had the worst consequences. In case it escapes anyone, the plight of the native Christians in the entire Middle East has worsened markedly since that misguided action.

True, but what you forget is that (weapons or no weapons of mass destruction) Saddam was STILL a threat to our stability. For example, he was harboring terrorists in the North Of Iraq, in casr you forgot that. and unlike soem of you folks who thinks this is just a matter of the ftermath of 9/11 was just a matter for “law enforcement,” this was (to be perfectly politically incorrect) a WAR-Like action by ISLAMI COUNTRIES (yes, I said it) against our Wsetern values and countries. Bush was simply too “correct” to state that. And in a way it WAS and IS a war against ISLAM-----a Religion that is NOT a “Religion Of Peace” but actually a Religion that calls for tha forcible conversion of Non-Muslims at the point of a Sword at all costs. Therefore Saddam was part of that War since he was part of that system whoch threatens our Country and Wetern Civ in General.

Bush ultimately was right—this IS sort of a “crusade,” just nobody wanted to admit it and acknowledge it. This was not between Us and “people who hijacked a religion” but between Us and a Political System/Religion that wants to take over the World and our Societies.
eventually, Iraq will sort out its own problems and it will do things its own way-----but do NOT tell me that Eventual Freedom is ultimately better than Oppression under Supposed Stability.

What is happening in Iraq now is comparable to living in a Prison and what happens when you let the Inmates out. BOTH are bad. But good WILL come out of it eventually.

 

[OrdinaryMelkite]

True, but what you forget is that (weapons or no weapons of mass destruction) Saddam was STILL a threat to our stability. For example, he was harboring terrorists in the North Of Iraq, in casr you forgot that. and unlike soem of you folks who thinks this is just a matter of the ftermath of 9/11 was just a matter for “law enforcement,” this was (to be perfectly politically incorrect) a WAR-Like action by ISLAMI COUNTRIES (yes, I said it) against our Wsetern values and countries. Bush was simply too “correct” to state that. And in a way it WAS and IS a war against ISLAM-----a Religion that is NOT a “Religion Of Peace” but actually a Religion that calls for tha forcible conversion of Non-Muslims at the point of a Sword at all costs. Therefore Saddam was part of that War since he was part of that system whoch threatens our Country and Wetern Civ in General.

Bush ultimately was right—this IS sort of a “crusade,” just nobody wanted to admit it and acknowledge it. This was not between Us and “people who hijacked a religion” but between Us and a Political System/Religion that wants to take over the World and our Societies.
eventually, Iraq will sort out its own problems and it will do things its own way-----but do NOT tell me that Eventual Freedom is ultimately better than Oppression under Supposed Stability.

What is happening in Iraq now is comparable to living in a Prison and what happens when you let the Inmates out. BOTH are bad. But good WILL come out of it eventually.

To add to this--------------Iraq is ultimately better off without Saddam in it.Most would agree with that. Even Non-Republicans. And we will see change in Iraq for the Good. Maybe not in our lifeitme, but we will see change for the Good.

 

[malphono]

what you forget is that (weapons or no weapons of mass destruction) Saddam was STILL a threat to our stability. …

What is happening in Iraq now is comparable to living in a Prison and what happens when you let the Inmates out. BOTH are bad. But good WILL come out of it eventually.

To add to this--------------Iraq is ultimately better off without Saddam in it.Most would agree with that. Even Non-Republicans. And we will see change in Iraq for the Good. Maybe not in our lifeitme, but we will see change for the Good.

No, the absence of Saddam is nothing to cry over. It is the destabilization put into motion (yet again) by foreign meddling that is the problem. In regard to “eventual (whatever that means) change for the good” I can only say: I wonder if there will be any native Christians left to appreciate it?

And as for the rest … whatever. As the whale said to Jonah, “I ain’t a swallowing that.”

 

[OrdinaryMelkite]

No, the absence of Saddam is nothing to cry over. It is the destabilization put into motion (yet again) by foreign meddling that is the problem. In regard to “eventual (whatever that means) change for the good” I can only say: I wonder if there will be any native Christians left to appreciate it?

And as for the rest … whatever. As the whale said to Jonah, “I ain’t a swallowing that.”

I was actually referencing George W. Bush. I know you disagree with that, but that’s fine.
MY opinion----nothing more, nothing less. I simply have more faith in the New president, who is passionate about Democratic Change, than you do. There will b e years of turmoil and instabiltity, but ultimately Irqis will develop their OWn brand of Democracy. You don’;t have to agree with that sentiment, of course.

BTW, most people say it was a Whale that swallowed Jonah----to be technical about it, the Bible says “Big Fish”----although most are willing to concede it was a Whale------I have no problem with that, but you never know…

And it DID swallow Jonah. Jonah just did not “agree” with it.

Only time will tell.

And I DO pray that Christians are part of that new Government. The problem is, our Government basically does not care about them. We’re on our way out. So nothing is being done.