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  Iraq has experienced a troubled history since Bible times. This is the land where the Jews were taken into exile and the prophet Daniel served the kings of Babylon. Having once been part of the Ottoman Empire, Iraq gradually gained its independence as a kingdom in 1932. While it was officially declared a republic in 1958, it remained under the control of military strongmen. When the latest ruler, Saddam Hussein came to power in 1979, there was even more turmoil for the people of Iraq. Most of the 1980s were spent at war with Iran over control of the Shatt-al-Arab waterway to the Persian Gulf.
The Persian Gulf War was followed by genocide of select ethnic groups, and many, including Christians, were gassed, shot, or forced to leave their homes. Religions were accepted if they showed loyalty to Saddam's regime, and the importing of Christian literature was restricted. With the fall of Saddam's regime came considerable uncertainty. Some Iraqis continued to push for an Islamic regime similar to Iran while others were looking for a secular and democratic society. The United States has been seeking to assist Iraq in establishing that democracy. In March 2004, an interim constitution was adopted. While it maintains that religious freedom should be respected, it states that no proposed legislation can in any way be in violation of the “universally agreed upon tenets of Islam.” The Coalition Provisional Authority transferred sovereignty to the Iraqi Interim Government on June 28, 2004. The IG (Interim Government) was urged to recognize religious freedom for all people, whether they are in the minority or part of the majority Muslim population; even if a Muslim chooses to disagree with traditional Islam. On January 30, 2005, a democratic election was held, establishing a transitional national assembly. A more permanent constitution is being developed, with a vote being scheduled for October 15. If the proposed constitution is ratified, a new government will be elected on December 15; if it is not ratified, a new national assembly will be elected. There are also concerns that the proposed constitution does not adequately protect religious freedom for the citizens of Iraq. Even while democracy is being pursued, there are those who take it upon themselves to personally enforce Islamic control in their area. Bombings of Christian religious institutions have been common throughout the process, particularly in the Mosul area of northern Iraq. With the volatile situation and continuing violence, Christians in Iraq are increasingly fearful of violence directed at them by militant Islamic groups active in Iraq. Hundreds are reported to have fled to neighbouring countries. At the same time, some pastors and Christian workers see this time as an excellent opportunity to share the hope and peace of Jesus. Some western Christian organizations have used change of regime as an opportunity to minister in Iraq, though they are not welcome by all Iraqis. Christians presently form only 3.3 percent of Iraq's people. Prayer Requests
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