Revisiting Iraq
The Michigan delegation visited the Convent of the Nuns in Al-Karrada.
Thousands of miles away, yet deeply connected to their homeland
By Ghazwan Alyass and Hanan Qia
Thousands of miles of distance and cultural differences were never an obstacle for the true and patriotic sons of their homeland to express their love and pride for their motherland, Iraq. This was exemplified by a delegation representing the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce, the Chaldean Community Foundation, and the Assyrian Chamber of Commerce, led by Mr. Martin Manna, who decided to visit their homeland in response to an invitation extended to them by the Prime Minister of Iraq, Mr. Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani.
On the historic night of Wednesday, February 19, 2025, the plane arriving from Jordan landed at Baghdad International Airport where the delegation was received in the VIP lounge before being transferred to the Prime Minister’s guesthouse, designated for their stay.
Meetings in Baghdad
The following morning, Thursday, February 20, the delegation was transported in government-assigned vehicles to the headquarters of the Prime Minister’s office where they held their first meeting with His Excellency, the Prime Minister of Iraq. Discussions were centered on a working paper prepared by their institutions.
Later, the delegation moved to the Presidential Palace to meet with the President of Iraq, His Excellency Abdul Latif Rashid, who warmly welcomed them and listened to their requests. Around noon, the delegation accepted an invitation from Mr. Saadi Wahib Al-Sahyoud, owner of the American University of Baghdad, for lunch.
In the afternoon, the delegation met with Mr. Mohammed Al-Halbousi, head of the Taqaddum Party. During this visit, Mr. Manna expressed gratitude for his efforts in supporting the delegation’s mission and the steps they are working toward.
Scheduled Meetings in Baghdad
On Friday, February 21, the delegation engaged in numerous meetings with key figures and institutions to present their vision and demands. The scheduled meetings included:
1. Patriarch Louis Sako, head of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq and the world.
2. The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
3. The American University of Baghdad.
4. Mr. Qasim Al-Araji, Iraq’s National Security Advisor.
5. Mr. Ammar Al-Hakim, head of the Hikma Movement.
On Saturday, February 22, the important meetings continued, starting with a visit to the Convent of the Nuns in Al-Karrada. The delegation then met with His Beatitude Patriarch Gewargis III, head of the Ancient Church of the East, followed by a meeting with Judge Dr. Faiq Zidan, President of the Supreme Judicial Council. Later in the afternoon, the delegation attended an invitation from Mr. Aqeel Muften, President of the Iraqi Olympic Committee. The last meeting in Baghdad was with Judge Jassim Aboud Al-Omiri, President of the Federal Supreme Court of Iraq.
Throughout these engagements, Mr. Martin Manna spoke candidly and boldly about the needs of the Christian community in Iraq. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, calling on authorities to take their concerns seriously, as the country is at a historical crossroads that necessitates preserving one of Iraq’s oldest communities. The disappearance of this community would mean the loss of significant cultural and historical characteristics that Iraqis take pride in, regardless of their backgrounds.
Visit to Nineveh
In the early hours of Sunday, February 23, the delegation traveled to Nineveh, the ancestral homeland and historical, cultural, and demographic heartland of their people. Accompanied by Dr. Zidan Khalaf, a special envoy from the Prime Minister, the convoy reached Mosul, where they were warmly welcomed by Nineveh’s Governor, Mr. Abdul Qader Al-Dakhil.
A press conference was held at the governorate’s headquarters to discuss the purpose and goals of the visit. The delegation then moved to the Nineveh Court of Appeals, where they were received by Judge Raed Masleh. Mr. Manna highlighted the current state of the Christian community in Nineveh, noting that their presence is now almost exclusively confined to the Nineveh Plains. He addressed the numerous challenges they face. Both the governor and the chief judge expressed their understanding of these concerns, affirming that the Christian presence in Nineveh is not accidental but deeply rooted in the land’s history and identity.
Tour of the Nineveh Plains
Governor Al-Dakhil demonstrated significant interest in the delegation’s visit, and his office arranged a tour that included Mosul’s Old City, particularly Hosh Al-Bay‘a and its historic churches, as well as the Nineveh Plains.
The delegation’s stops in the Nineveh Plains included:
1. Tel Keppe: The delegation met with Father Shaher Shadaya, pastor of the Sacred Heart Church, along with members of the local community.
2. Batnaya: They were warmly received by Father Farid Kina, pastor of Mar Quraqos Church. During these visits, the governor announced several developmental projects for both towns.
3. Baghdeda (Qaraqosh): The delegation was welcomed at the bishop’s residence by Bishop Mar Yonan Hanno, where a brief meeting was held. Mr. Martin Manna shared the outcomes of the delegation’s meetings with government and political authorities in Baghdad and Nineveh.
As the evening set in, the delegation proceeded to the border between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government. They were bid farewell by the Governor of Nineveh and the government envoy and were warmly received by Mr. Rami Nouri, a member of the Kurdistan Parliament representing the Christian quota, and Mr. Dasko Shirwani, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s representative in Washington.
Visit to the Kurdistan Region
On Monday, February 24, the delegation traveled to Salahaddin Resort to meet with Mr. Masoud Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party. Mr. Barzani welcomed the delegation and praised their efforts, assuring them of his support for the Christian community. The delegation then met with Mr. Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, who was briefed on the mission’s objectives. He expressed his support for the delegation’s demands.
During these meetings, the delegation discussed several key issues, including:
• Article 125 of the Iraqi Constitution, which pertains to the administrative, political, cultural, and educational rights of minorities.
• The establishment of administrative units in the Nineveh Plain to ensure proper governance and representation.
• Recruiting Christians in local police forces to enhance security within their communities.
• Reconstruction projects for towns and villages in the Nineveh Plain, ensuring the return and stability of Christian residents.
• Employment opportunities for Christians, aiming to integrate them into public and private sectors.
• The impact of the alcohol ban on Christian businesses and communities, emphasizing the need for policies that protect religious and cultural freedoms.
Conclusion of the Visit
After a series of significant meetings in Baghdad, Nineveh, and Erbil, involving government, political, and religious leaders, the delegation departed on the morning of Thursday, February 26, heading to Amman, Jordan, before returning to the United States.
CAPTION:
The Michigan delegation visited the Convent of the Nuns in Al-Karrada.