The Sabian Mandaeans, a small religious group in Iraq and Iran, are facing "extinction" in the lawless climate of Iraq. The followers of Adam, Noah and John the Baptist predate Islam and Christianity. Now they claim that Islamic extremists are raping, murdering, and forcing them to convert. It is estimated that over 80% of Mandaeans have fled the country, with most of them resettling in Syria and Jordan. Mandaean leaders are hoping they will receive refugee status in the West, but Laurens Jolles of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees says they will have to "wait in line" with the rest of the regions threatened groups. Unfortunately, they appear to have been waiting since the invasion in 2003 with no relief in sight.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
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