The Chaldean Church raises the alarm in light of the escalating violence and persecutions unleashed by the Caliphate.
“Things are getting worse for us Christians and other religious minorities. The situation in Iraq is getting worse by the day.” It was the Chaldean Auxiliary Bishop Shlemon Warduni of Baghdad who raised the alarm bells about the escalating violence and persecution at the hands of the Caliphate.
A year after Abu Bakr al Baghdadi proclaimed the Caliphate, the Islamic State is gaining ground and strength, expanding beyond the Iraqi and Syrian borders. Does the international community lack an efficient strategy?
“Yes. Despite the terrible conditions, our commitment in this land is to preserve spaces for dialogue. The common good needs good sense. Yet, sadly, fanaticism is increasingly taking over and this is why everything is going badly.
What can halt the jihadist advance?
“Only a reaction from the moderate Sunnis. Fundamentalist fanatics following al Baghdadi’s orders have not read the Holy Scriptures or they would know that God is merciful. My appeal is addressed to moderate Muslims: they know that having faith means embracing God’s will. Hence moderate Muslims must react against ISIS’ destructive madness and try to interact with the population as a whole and collaborate with the rest of society. Only then can they act in favour of the common good, the good of everyone and therefore their good too.”
The Islamic State is becoming increasingly powerful and now operates not just in Iraq and Syria but is also gaining strength in Afghanistan and Africa, where some groups once loyal to Al Qaeda have sworn loyalty to ISIS. What is it that unites them?
“Those who oppose dialogue harm everyone else, this is why the role of moderate Muslims is key. If moderatism prevails then this will signal a victory for the common good and is the only form of salvation in the midst of this explosive situation for the entire international community. This must become a geopolitical priority for the West and the UN.”
Should the international community make more of an effort to combat the radicalisation of Islam?
“Yes. The fact that the situation is so bad in Iraq and the rest of the Middle East is that the world is keeping quiet and doing nothing. And so we Christians find ourselves in the middle, caught in the crossfire. Like all other minorities, we are simply trying to survive but when we leave the house in the morning we do not know if we will make it home at night-time. We are threatened, attacked, persecuted. ISIS’ ruthless militia have no mercy, they don’t have God. They kill without a drop of humanity.”
Has the situation worsened for Iraqi Christians compared to the days when Saddam was in power?
“There is no comparison. There is definitely more fear and uncertainty today. But in many aspects the worst we are going through now is the consequence of Saddam Hussein’s dictatorship. Meanwhile, the world thinks about economic interests and sells arms that perpetuate the massacre. Here, the strongest man wins and the manufacturers of death get rich with the blood of thousands of innocent people.”
Is peace still possible?
“Each day, the possibility for peace becomes more remote. There are moderates who want peace and have the good of the people at heart. The Pope’s voice helps these people, Christians and Muslims alike, who listen to his message. But radicals and war lords do not want the Pope’s message of peace to reach the people. They do not want to hear it. Francis is on the side of the poor, he is against the war and his speeches give us hope amid the darkness of fear. The Jubilee of mercy will be more significant here than in the rest of the world because it will help all those who are currently suffering and want to live in peace and safety.”
What is it like to be a terrorist target?
“It is terrible. We want peace and safety, all we are asking for is to be able to love without the constant fear of being attacked. We do not have peace of mind and anxiety increases as peace drifts further away. The situation gets worse instead of getting better. Without a moment’s peace it is impossible to lead a normal life.”
