IRAQ Iraq, the return of ISIS in a crescendo of attacks. Card. Sako meets with the Prime Minister

In the first six months of the year, the Islamic State has already carried out 153 operations and is apparently trying to “rebuild itself”. The jihadists’ ability to act and achieve their objectives is worrying. The Prime Minister praised the “diversity” represented by Christians, who are a “factor of stability”. The Chaldean Synod concludes with an appeal for the unity of the Churches and belonging to the land.

Baghdad () – A surge in attacks and a growing presence on the ground suggest that the group is trying to “reconstitute” itself as a group in order to attack again and conquer ever more territory. The United States has warned the Baghdad government of the danger of the Islamic State returning to Iraq and Syria, on the tenth anniversary of the rise of the jihadist movement, which came to control half of the two countries between 2014 and 2016, at the time of its maximum expansion.

According to reports from the US Central Command (Centcom), ISIS has already claimed 153 attacks in Iraq and Syria in the first six months of 2024, suggesting that it is “trying to rebuild after several years with a weak attack capability.” Compared to the previous year, the number of operations is said to have “doubled,” although there is no certainty about the actual figures.

The apparent rebirth of Daesh [acrónimo árabe de Estado Islámico] This has been widely publicised in the years since the military defeat, but what is most worrying today is the group’s apparent ability to act and achieve its objectives. Added to this is the general amnesty proclaimed by the Kurdish militias – supported by the United States – in north-east Syria, which includes the release of suspected jihadists or ISIS affiliates.

Nearly 10,000 former fighters are being held in Kurdish detention centers in northeast Syria. Among them, those who previously fought against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) or were involved in bombings that killed people are not eligible for amnesty. Legal expert Khaled Jabr told the Associated Press that the SDF amnesty will include about 600 Syrian citizens detained on terrorism charges and with links to the Islamic State who could return to action when they are released. While the most dangerous militants are not eligible for the provision, fears remain that a mass release of prisoners could swell the ranks of the group again.

For his part, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani received the Patriarch of Baghdad of the Chaldeans, Card. Louis Raphael Sako, accompanied by a delegation of bishops who are participating in the Synod of the local Church which concludes today. During the meeting, the head of the Government [que en los últimos meses ha mostrado su apoyo y solidaridad con el primado caldeo en el enfrentamiento con el presidente por haber retirado el decreto, y su traslado a Erbil como forma de protesta] He stressed the value of “diversity” which is a “factor of stability”. He also praised Christians who have been able to confront “tragedies and terrorism” and reject attempts to “stir up divisions” among Iraqis. The Prime Minister concluded that “everyone must be able to freely practise their rites and their religion” and that Iraq’s enormous resources must be used “to guarantee stability” throughout the region, from Gaza to Syria and Lebanon, where there is conflict and violence.

The Chaldean Synod, which has been held in Baghdad since July 15, concludes today with a final declaration signed by the Chaldean Patriarch. In the press release he sent to , the Cardinal expresses his “gratitude” to the Prime Minister for the “decree” which “confirms” him as head of the Chaldean Church in the eyes of Iraqi institutions, putting an end to months of tensions with the President of the Republic. Added to this is the hope for a common effort in favour of “peace and stability” through the application of the law, the reconstruction of national unity and the strengthening of citizenship.

In the face of the “agony” of Christians, Cardinal Sako continued, it is necessary to assert their rights “with equal representation and employment” and by opposing the “confiscation” of property through “the exclusivity of any political party.” Looking at the war in the Holy Land (between Israel and Hamas) and its consequences for the region, the primate shares the “great concern” expressed by the Synod and confirms that the “best solution” is “to establish two neighbouring States living in peace, security, stability and mutual trust”. Finally, the cardinal closes his reflection with a reference to the future of Christians in the Middle East. “With regard to this problem, the synodal bishops renew Patriarch Sako’s call for unity and solidarity. The most important thing that must unite us is our faith and our land. Unity is our strength and our salvation. Despite the wounds, we continue to love our countries and our citizens, and we would like to cooperate with them to spread a culture of coexistence, respecting each other’s differences and consolidating hope, in a just and civilized society”.