Iraq
Islamic State militants bulldoze ancient Nimrud city
By Reuters — March 6, 2015
(REUTERS) Archaeologists compare the assault on Nimrud to the Taliban's destruction of Afghanistan's Bamiyan Buddha statues in 2001. But the damage being wreaked by the Islamic State to ancient monuments and places of worship is even more relentless and wide-ranging.
Yazidis thank Pope Francis for his support at Vatican meeting
By Josephine McKenna — January 8, 2015
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Yazidis are a Kurdish-speaking people who follow an ancient religion blending elements of Zoroastrianism, Islam, Christianity and local folk beliefs.
Amid tears, ‘cry out with joy:’ Pope Francis’ Christmas Day blessing
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — December 25, 2014
In his annual "Urbi et Orbi" address to the city and the world, his text features the prayers for peace and health in lands torn by strife and by Ebola .
Christian leaders call for end to US strikes in Iraq, focus on peaceful resolution
By David Gibson — August 28, 2014
(RNS) The letter stands in contrast to a petition launched by conservative Catholic, evangelical and Jewish activists who demanded that President Obama sharply escalate military action against Islamic extremists.
Is James Foley a martyr? A brutal death sparks a faith-based debate
By David Gibson — August 26, 2014
(RNS) James Foley’s murder by terrorists of the Islamic State has prompted many Christians, especially Foley’s fellow Catholics, to argue that he should be considered a martyr, maybe even a saint.
US must ‘destroy’ Islamic State, say religious conservatives
By David Gibson — August 13, 2014
(RNS) A coalition of religious leaders, led by mostly conservative Catholic, evangelical and Jewish activists, is calling on President Obama to sharply escalate military action against Islamic extremists in Iraq.
Someone tell the president: Iraqi Christians are dying (COMMENTARY)
By Kirsten Powers — August 13, 2014
(RNS) The disinterest in the suffering of Iraqi Christians has been a bipartisan travesty.
On Iraq, Pope Francis’ message of peace meets reality of war
By Josephine McKenna — August 11, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Even as Francis called on the international community to find "an efficient political solution that can stop these crimes" the Vatican also tried to make peace with the idea that U.S. military strikes were necessary and working.
Pope sends envoy to Iraq to deliver message of support and aid embattled Christians
By Josephine McKenna — August 8, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The envoy is expected to deliver a personal message of solidarity and support from the pope as well as financial aid to those affected by the wave of violence.
Islamic State accused of capturing Yazidi women and forcing them to convert, or else
By Gil Shefler — August 7, 2014
(RNS) Thousands of Yazidis, followers of an ancient religion, have been killed or captured or fled to a remote mountain without food, water or shelter.
Islamic extremists impose reign of terror on Iraq
By Anmar Al Shamary — August 4, 2014
BAGHDAD -- The Islamic State "behaved very nice at the beginning of the takeover of Mosul, but they start to uncover their ugly faces. They blew up three prophets' graves, which opened my eyes," said shopkeeper Omer Othman
Arabic Twitter avatar illustrates #WeAreN solidarity with Iraqi Christians
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — July 25, 2014
(RNS) It's the symbol for "Nazarene," or Christian, used by Islamists in Iraq to brand Christian properties as part of their effort to drive out an ancient Christian community.
With Mosul’s Christians gone, Islamic State troops take over 4th-century monastery
By Cathy Otten — July 24, 2014
ERBIL, Iraq (RNS) Faced with an ultimatum to convert to Islam, pay a religious tax or be killed, by Saturday (July 19), most of Mosul’s Christians had fled. The following day, militants descended on the fourth-century Mar Behnam Monastery on the outskirts of the city.
England’s Muslim leaders to media: Don’t inflame Sunni-Shiite tensions
By Trevor Grundy — June 20, 2014
LONDON (RNS) Leaders of the Shiite community in the United Kingdom, about 5 percent of the total Muslim community, are doing all they can to tone down tension with Sunnis.
ANALYSIS: Iraq’s Sunni insurgents listed their crimes in annual report
By Jim Michaels — June 18, 2014
WASHINGTON (RNS) The report doesn't trace violence only. It also tracks "apostates repented," a reference to winning over fellow Sunnis in areas that the group has seized.
