Bishop Emile Nona Bishop of Mosul: The situation of Christians in Mosul province .
For Christians in Mosul and around Mosul, I will not talk about their history, as our brother Ephraim has already spoken. I will divide the subject at several points, for convenience.
First, Christians in the past year in Mosul, was a hub of activity in Iraq. But after the events of 2003, things have changed. Let me give an example Statistics for the Diocese of Mosul In Mosul, there were 4,500 Chaldean Christian families. Now we have about 500 families. Many among these families have fled Mosul around or in the area is peaceful Kurdistan from Iraq or fled Iraq to other countries.
- The situation of Christians after 2003, and their position in the political problem of Iraq:
First point: If a board policy protects Christians, then there is another side that says: "Ah, you turn away from us." Sometimes, Christians are killed and persecuted for reasons policies, and to delay a political solution in Iraq.
Second point: The division of Christians in small communities. After the events of 2003, we see a strategy to divide Christians into small groups, which certainly serves a political purpose.
Third point: their emigration to Europe. There is a force that compels them to leave Iraq, whose purpose may be religious or political. The reason religious persecution, are not just Christians. There is also an aggression against the 'brains' that is to say the most talented people leaving Iraq.
- Reasons to aim Christians, after the events of 2003:
In early 2003, after the entry of military forces of occupation, Iraqis have watched other Christians as allies of the invaders. This is one reason to target Christians. The second reason is the aim of attacking them in their religion. There are fanatical groups who beat and are Christians. The third reason is financial, economic. The best way for these groups to get rich is to target and attack Christians. For this, we begin by Christians threaten to take their money. The last reason is that it applies to Christians because they are weak and they will not use violence. It is virtually the only community that does not use force and violence.
- The causes of terrorism exists. How to find solutions for them?
First, places that harbor terrorists are large cities like Mosul. There is an atmosphere conducive to terrorism, for political reasons or for other purposes. Why this atmosphere? The first cause is the belief: There are people who believe that violence against Christians is a duty [religious] and legal, especially in the poorest groups of society. That is why we have a duty to educate and enlighten those closed minds.
second cause of terrorism: fear. Many people are afraid of terrorists and that is why we must succeed in helping them. This is what happens in big cities. Third issue: money. There is not much work and many young people have resorted to terrorism for money.
Another point: the causes of terrorism which can be remedied. There the press and media. We need to give objective information against terrorism, not to embellish or exaggerate our complaints to the media, but objectively transcribe. When there is an attack against Christians, everyone is talking about. But only after the event took place. Therefore we must not only speak after an event, but contribute to an atmosphere of living together in a good mood, because we live together.
Another solution against terrorism is the educational aspect. Educational programs in Iraq have been changes several years ago. Many points encourage terrorism in these programs, because everything was focused on religion as the goal and essence of this teaching. Therefore educational programs, especially in the city of Mosul, are oriented toward religion, and this education encourages fanaticism. It is a great danger, if the education system became a center of fanaticism. On the one hand knowledge will regress and the other, there will be a breeding ground for terrorism.
final point: the economic aspect. Terrorism grows where there is poverty. Iraq needs to renew its structures, to provide good services, find employment for those who are unemployed. Thus, we could eliminate or reduce terrorism, and there will be a change in society. Thank you.
Coming: Father Nejib Michael, former superior of the Dominicans Baghdad. The situation of Christians in Baghdad.
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