Erbil’s archbishop fears extremists will be emboldened by Taliban success
Archbishop Bashar Warda of the Chaldean Catholic Archeparchy of Erbil has expressed concern that ISIS and other extremists in Iraq may be emboldened by the success of the Taliban in Afghanistan. Despite these concerns, the Chaldean archbishop is hopeful for the future of Christians in Iraq.
By ACN Staff
Archbishop Bashar Warda of the Chaldean Catholic Archeparchy of Erbil. (Credit: Aid to the Church in Need)
Archbishop Bashar Warda of the Chaldean Catholic Archeparchy of Erbil has expressed concern that the recent Taliban takeover of Afghanistan will embolden Islamist extremists in Iraq. Archbishop Warda is one of the most respected bishops in all of the Middle East. Speaking to Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Archbishop Warda said the following:
Refugee centre in the Ankawa Christian neighborhood in Erbil. (Credit: Aid to the Church in Need/Anton Fric)
“Afghanistan and Iraq are very different places. But the takeover of the country by the Taliban certainly provides encouragement to those who support that type of regime.”
Speaking about ISIS in Iraq, the Chaldean archbishop said the following:
“[T]hey have not fully left. They continue to exist in underground capacities and they still maintain a capability to cause harm in Iraq. More importantly, the mentality that created ISIS certainly still remains in the region. So this is a continuing concern… I think it is definitely true that the mentality of Daesh still exists in Iraq and Syria among certain parts of the population.”
The Catholic bishop was concerned about the announcement by US President Joe Biden this July that he intends to withdraw all US combat troops from Iraq by the end of 2021. Archbishop Warda said the following:
“What our history has taught us, especially our recent history, is that in any time of instability and conflict it is the minorities who suffer first. So, to the extent that any change in US involvement in Iraq leads to an increase in instability, certainly we are concerned that this would lead to further persecution of the religious minorities.”
Pope Francis arrives at Franso Hariri Stadium in Erbil. (Credit: Aid to the Church in Need)
Despite these challenges, Archbishop of Warda is positive about the future of Christians in Iraq. He believes that the visit of Pope Francis was particularly positive for Iraqi Christians.
The bishop said the following:
“We are a small number now but we are holding firm and doing our best wherever we are in Iraq to show that we are a vital piece in the fabric of the country. I think the visit of the Holy Father showed to the rest of Iraq the positive impact of the Christian community here, and also the positive impact that the Christian community can bring to Iraq in terms of how the world views our country. These things bring us hope and we will continue to do our best to build upon them…Over time we hope this will allow our community here not just to survive, but to thrive and hopefully grow in time.”
ACN is determined to help Archbishop Warda and the other bishops in Iraq continue the ancient Christian presence in the country. Iraq is a priority country for ACN. We have supported a wide variety of projects from providing aid to Christian refugees to supporting the Catholic University of Erbil.