[news] Why Iraqi Christians are Moving to Syria

[Resist!ca]

August 9, 2004 ; By GARY LEUPP - Counterpunch The recent spate of attacks on 
Christian churches in Iraq is symptomatic of the general insecurity that 
Christians (about three percent of the population, around 800,000 people) face 
in the occupied country. The interim constitution states that "Islam is the 
official religion of the State and is to be considered a source of legislation" 
and while recognizing religious freedom "respects the Islamic identity of the 
majority of the Iraqi people." For some, Islamic identity means the imposition 
of Muslim morality. In Sadr City, the Mahdi militia is shutting down 
Christian-owned liquor shops. Some shop owners have been killed, some Christian 
women attacked for appearing in public inappropriately attired. Others have 
been attacked because of a widespread belief that Christians are abetting the 
occupation.

URL: http://resist.ca/story/2004/8/9/164153/5540