TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - For the first time in 1,600 years, there are no more Iraqi Christians living in the city of Mosul. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) have evicted the oldest Christian community in Iraq from Mosul.
The ISIS gave an ultimatum to Christians to convert to Islam, pay Jizya tax or face death.
Before the war broke out in 2003, Iraq had been home to more than 1.5 million Christians, who are descendants of the oldest Christian community in Iraq. Even though they lived under Saddam Hussain’s tyranny, they had a relatively peaceful life. Their population now has drastically dropped to around 400,000 people.
Pope Francis condemned ISIS’ treatment on the Christian community. “They are persecuted; our brothers are persecuted, they are driven out, they have to leave their houses without having the possibility of taking anything with them,” Pope Francis said.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki also expressed his concern and has offered prayers to the presecuted Christians. He also called ISIS a terrorist group.
On the other hand, US President Barack Obama remains silent and has not said anything regarding this issue.
VIQIANSAH DENNIS | NATIONAL POST
