Iraqi archbishop argues against foreign intervention

June 16, 2014

An Iraqi prelate has cautioned against international intervention against the Islamic force that have seized control over much of the country.

Archbishop Jean Sleiman of Baghdad told Aid to the Church in Need that the threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) must be countered by Iraqi forces, and that a strong consensus within the country is required to avoid “a tragic outcome.”

“ ISIS needs to be stopped,” the archbishop said; “and it needs the Iraqi leaders to work together to stop it.”

Archbishop Sleiman said that it is uncertain whether Iraqi military forces can stop the ISIS offensive. He reported “a great deal of confusion” within Baghdad, as residents wondered whether they should leave to escape the Islamic forces. At the moment, he said, most roads leaving Baghdad are closed, so plane travel is the only option for those leaving the capital city.

 

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Further information:

• Iraq bishop: Foreign intervention won’t help, says Iraqi leaders must unite to confront ISIS threat (ACN)