Iraq’s prime minister, Ali al-Zaidi, is making a public appeal to Christian believers who have left the country over the last 20 years, encouraging them to return and promising access to land, healthcare, and education if they do.
But the offer is drawing skepticism. Critics argue that what Christians truly need before considering a return is genuine security — something they say has not been adequately addressed.
Only a small fraction of Iraq’s Christian population that existed before the war still remains in the country today. Those who have stayed behind report facing constant persecution from Muslim neighbors, many of whom were accused of cooperating with ISIS during the period when the extremist group controlled parts of the country.
Some observers are questioning the prime minister’s motives, suggesting the outreach to Christians may be less about their welfare and more about building goodwill with the United States.
