 | Iraqi Christian Village Takes the Fight to 'IS' by Cathy Otten Deutsche Welle |
"...A deacon with the local church of Saint George, Wadhah Sabih, leans over and whispers to DW as prayers are recited in the ancient Syriac language. "We've defended Al Qosh many times against different enemies over centuries. But right now it's impossible to defend ourselves," he continues in hushed tones. "The army can't stand before IS - so how can a small village? IS sold themselves to the devil."
"Christians are angry about being pushed from their ancient heartlands - August 10 this year was the first Sunday in centuries that the church bells of Saint George in Al Qosh didn't ring, Wadhah tells DW.
"Before 2003 it was estimated that there was 1.5 million Christians in Iraq, now there are around 400,000 left, many with plans to leave. Caught between Kurdish and Arab Iraq , the Ninawa plains has long been fought over, but when IS forces swept into control Mosul, ethnic and religious minorities say they felt terrified..."
"Christians are angry about being pushed from their ancient heartlands - August 10 this year was the first Sunday in centuries that the church bells of Saint George in Al Qosh didn't ring, Wadhah tells DW.
"Before 2003 it was estimated that there was 1.5 million Christians in Iraq, now there are around 400,000 left, many with plans to leave. Caught between Kurdish and Arab Iraq , the Ninawa plains has long been fought over, but when IS forces swept into control Mosul, ethnic and religious minorities say they felt terrified..."
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