The international media described the recent Shiite
pilgrimage to Karbala "as a symbol of victory." But many Iraqi
Christians see it differently.
They are increasingly concerned about the future of religious freedom in the
country.
"The journalists reporting the events did not fully understand the
situation and what a demonstration of this sort actually meant," said
Father Nizar Semaan, a Syrian priest of the Diocese of Nineveh.
"We see these events with apprehension, not because we are against freedom
of belief and religion which we want as the foundation for the new Iraq, but
because we are familiar with the mentality and culture of Shiite Muslims and we
know that what they want is a theocratic Iraq founded on Islamic law,"
Father Semaan explained.
"There is a danger that we Christians may have to choose between remaining
in Iraq as second-class citizens deprived of our rights, or leaving this land
of our fathers," he added.
"We were sorry to see that while the Shiite gatherings were broadcast far
and wide, no media attention was given to Christians in Iraq who at the time
were celebrating Easter," the priest said.
"While we were praying for peace and true freedom and democracy, our
Shiite Muslim brothers were chanting slogans for an Islamic state and a new
war," he noted.
The priest added: "I hope the rest of the world will see the danger and continue
to help Iraq become a truly secular and democratic country where all groups are
respected."