The IRF Community is circulating a letter that expresses deep concern regarding the Assyrian community in Iraq, focusing on the recent amendments to Iraq's election law and their adverse effects on Assyrian representation in the Kurdistan Regional Government. It highlights the Assyrians' ancient heritage and current plight, exacerbated by violence, persecution, and political instability, leaving them on the brink of extinction. Specific issues include land grabbing, real estate fraud, inadequate support for Assyrian schools, religious discrimination, and a lack of political representation and security. The letter calls for U.S. support to safeguard Assyrians' rights and existence through military assistance, financial aid, and the establishment of a protection zone and self-administrative rights in their historic homelands.

Informative Sources:

• The Land Grabbing on the Assyrian Lands in Iraq, by Assyrian Aid Society (2019)

• Cultural Heritage Predation in Iraq, by Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House (2022)

• Kurdish Forces Conduct Military Exercises on Assyrian Archaeological Site, by AINA News (2023)