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Iraq is a country with ancient roots, and with a long history of turmoil and conflict.
Presently it is trying to close the chapter of the 2003 US-led invasion, and in search
of an identity that will allow it to once again stand as a nation.
One of the most relevant countries in the Middle East, it spans almost the entire Tigris
and Euphrates rivers, and is situated on what was once ancient Mesopotamia, one of the cradles
of human civilization.
Formerly part of the Ottoman Empire, Iraq was occupied by Britain during the course
of World War I. It regained its independence in 1932, when it became a kingdom.
The Arab nationalist Ba'ath party took power, overthrew the British-installed monarchy,
and proclaimed a republic in 1958. A series of dictators governed the country, the last
of which was Saddam Hussein, who ruled his people with an iron fist and dragged Iraq
into several catastrophic wars.
In 2003, Saddam Hussein's totalitarian regime was toppled by the US-led invasion of Iraq.
Today an unpopular occupation of international forces struggles with an armed hostile insurgency,
and the violent conflicts for power exploding amongst the various political and tribal factions.
The gradual transfer of power back into Iraqi hands and subsequent multi-party elections,
have achieved some stability. The situation, however, remains highly volatile.
Vast oil deposits have made the country rich and turned it into an important player in
regional and world politics. Oil revenues constitute 90% of government income. The country
encompasses about 10% of the world's oil reserves.
Unfortunately, over the past 25 years, Saddam Hussein's dictatorship, international sanctions
and finally war and have shattered the country's institutions and gravely hindered its economy.
Today the gradually improving security and increasing foreign investments, have allowed
the country is to rebuild.
The estimated population of Iraq is 31 million. Some 25% of Iraqis live below the poverty
line, water and electricity shortages are the order of the day. Continual violence and
suicide attacks amongst various religious and political factions have destroyed many
public institutions.
Iraq is predominantly a Muslim country, with Islam practiced by 97% of the population.
Two rival sects, ***'ites and Sunnis, are involved in a constant and often violent power
struggle. Christians have been present in Iraq for almost
2,000 years. In 2003 they numbered approximately 800,000 and although suffering discrimination,
the community enjoyed relative freedom and security under the Ba'ath Party rule.
Today their numbers have dwindled to a mere 200,000. The rest have fled their homeland,
as they stand unprotected before the threats, kidnappings, forced marriages, and killings
by terrorists, religious extremists and organized crime. Clergy have been murdered and churches
bombed. It is the largest Christian exodus in recent
history. However, even in these times of acute crisis, priests, sisters and lay people have
responded to the call of the Gospel with heroic acts of faith and love.
We cannot remain prisoners of fear, pain, and also the future, thinking only of our
future. We try to live normally. In the city of Mosul, despite the immense challenges,
the church continues to stand with the faithful who remain, offering ministry, catechism and
activities for the youth. Their message is that there is something greater than fear:
and that is life itself. We want people from abroad to know of our
situation. We want them to know what is happening in Iraq and to the Christians here. And of
course, to pray. We want people from abroad to pray for us. We have faith that prayer
is the only solution left us. We want you to pray for us.