Iraqi Christians Lose All Hope With Violence, Anarchy [View All]

http://www.aina.org/news/20070118110007.htm

Iraqi Christians Lose All Hope With Violence, Anarchy

Difficulties and persecution is nothing new to the minority Christians living in Iraq. However, local Christians are now saying that the anarchistic situation in their country has destroyed all optimism for a better future.

"Almost no one sees a bright future for Iraq," said Stefan De Groot, co-worker of the international organization Open Doors, according to a report on Tuesday.

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There are four violent groups in Iraq: Sunnite insurgents who used to belong to Saddam's Baath Party; Sunnites, who are fighting for Al Qaeda; Shiites; and a group comprised of criminals and gangs who don't belong to any of the other insurgency groups, according to De Groot.

The Open Doors co-worker said that the violent groups attack Christians for the main purpose of money to finance their fights.

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Assyrian Christians living in America have rallied, calling on U.S. leaders to help form an autonomous zone in Iraq for Assyrians and other Christians where they can practice their faith freely and work without persecution.