Iraq to probe killing of Mosul Christians

(February 26, 2010) Iraq said on Thursday it will set up an inquiry and boost security in the restive northern city of Mosul, where eight Christians have been killed in less than two weeks in the run-up to elections. Government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said, "The government condemns the attacks on Christians, one of the components of our people, and has decided to form a commission of inquiry." He said “the government will reinforce safety measures to prevent such attacks, act firmly against the terrorist forces and call in persons who were in charge at checkpoints near the places where these attacks took place." An Assyrian Christian and his two sons were murdered at their Mosul home on Tuesday, raising the number of Christians killed since mid-February to eight. Between 15,000 and 20,000 Christians live in Mosul, where the shrinking minority has accused authorities of inaction, noting that the killers have escaped each time. Local leaders in Mosul had expressed concern that Christians could be targeted ahead of the March 7 parliamentary election in a country wracked by sectarian violence since the US-led invasion of 2003. In 2008, forty Christians were killed and 12,000 others fled Mosul and nearby towns following a wave of violence that has sent many members of the community into exile. On Wednesday the Vatican said that Pope Benedict XVI who is on retreat this week, is close to Iraq’s Christians who still continue to face violence and killing.