Views of a Catholic priest who works in Iraq, visiting the U.S. this month

U.S. Military Is Not The Answer
He said that he thought that our troops leaving Iraq abruptly would be irresponsible. By this he meant that we are responsible to make sure that healing, helpful groups, particularly from nearby understanding, compatible cultures, are in place before our troops leave. He said military troops are not able to do what needs to be done. What is needed are people armed with social and professional skills - not guns - to repair the various kinds of damage. He says we owe the Iraqi people an apology as we leave, and smoothing the way for others to help would be an appropriate part of making restitution. One of the important tasks for these healing groups will be helping the Iraqis forgive one another for what they have done to each other under Sadam and under the U.S. occupation.

The Iraqis Can Govern Themselves
They have been doing so for many thousands of years. They have a long history of highly valuing education and were a very sophisticated people. At this point, there has been so much destruction that support of friendly teams from surrounding countries would be important to recovering stability. But what our government means by "the Iraqis must stand up so we can stand down" is that our troops are there to prop up a government which we pressure to support U.S. financial interests, and we want an Iraqi security force which will take this over, against their own interests at times. This is not true self-government and is not acceptable to the Iraqi people.

The Truth About Violence Between Muslims and Christians In Iraq
The Qu'ran commands believers to be tolerant and kind particularly toward brothers and sisters "of the Book" (Muslims, Christians and Jews). In Iraq, there is the same tolerance now between Muslims and Christians as before. The violent incidents we hear about are when someone from the slum areas intimidates people by killing, or a bomb or threatens to torture to get them to abandon their property. By killing a priest they can be sure to scare Christians. It is a tactic used when the target is a Christian home or area, but it could vary if the target is a non-Christian person with property. The problem is not religion, it is desperate poverty. He believes that the Pope made a point of concern about the violence affecting Christians because he was probably told by a bishop that priests and deacons had been killed and that Christians were being scared away from their ancient community. [The pope's statement of concern about violence in the area was made in connection with President Bush's visit, but was not against Muslims. -Sandy]

Why Are Iraqi Christians Going to Syria?
The exodus to Syria by Christians is part of the general exodus of Iraqis who have been intimidated or are without work and leave their country if they are able, particularly if they have children. They go where they are welcomed, which so far is mostly Syria. They are looking for a job, people they know - maybe family, and safety in conducting everyday life. They hope to get a visa to go elsewhere, maybe even the U.S. Syria is a small country and is being overwhelmed, yet they still take in the Iraqis -- and we will not.

Why Are Some Muslims Militant Extremists?
In most religions, there have been groups which arose and condemned and persecuted people for their beliefs. But in the Christian religion, for example, ultimately the mainstream teachings of love of God and neighbor in our scriptures prevailed. There may be some Muslims deviating from their faith out of misguided zeal , desired to retaliate or to gain power, but it must be remembered that they are a small minority. Many of the people trying to stir up confusion in Iraq are from Yemen.

What Is the Issue With Muslims and Women?
Non-Muslim women in Iraq are not expected to cover themselves in the same way Muslim women would. Religious Muslims of both sexes are very modest and dress accordingly. Muslim men care deeply about protecting their women and girls and are angered by harm being done to them by some of our military. Modest dress may help to protect them.

Attitude about education of Muslim women depends on the national cultures, not on any tenet of their faith. In Iraq, women were educated because education for all was a highly valued national tradition.