August 5, 2023
In the Middle East, a threat to the church’s leader is a threat to the parish
Back to Allby Hadeel Oueis, Senior Research Fellow
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Decision to revoke decree of Cardinal Sako appears to be driven by increasing sway of Iran-backed militias within Iraq
The recent withdrawal of Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, the patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, from the church’s main headquarters in Baghdad highlights a concerning reality: The existence of Christians in the Middle East is under threat, not only from ISIS and Al-Qaeda but also from the rising influence of Iran-backed militias.
The decision by the Iraqi president to revoke the Republican decree of Cardinal Sako appears to be driven by the increasing sway of Iran-backed militias within Iraq.
Cardinal Sako, known for his critical stance on Iran’s role, has become unfavorable to these militias, prompting removal from his position.
This development should be a matter of concern for the United States, as it reveals not only the ongoing threat posed by militias to the Christian community but also the deepening dominance of Iran within various Iraqi institutions.