For Iraqi Christians, A Shadow of Insecurity

To that end, I want to emphasize the important role of the United States, which as the leader of the world has a human and deeply ethical mission in Iraq.

Military intervention cannot renew this society; economic projects are unable to give this society, as we say according to Holy Bible, a "new heart." It's the values that America lives and defends -- religious faith, freedom, dignity of men and women, morality -- that can help people change their minds, to help them evolve in their culture.

The idea of the person as a free, responsible and autonomous individual isn't recognized in Iraq. The group, the tribe, the community or the family impose to persons values and customs. There are still families that choose a bride for their son or a groom for their daughter.

What primary message will you bring to those who attend the Carmelite conference in Chicago?

I will try to share hope with all of the brothers, sisters and friends of our conference. The Christian hope is the light in dark times.

There's been talk by many people about God having a hand in current events, that events are unfolding as part of His plan. Do you believe God has planned all that has happened, and will happen, from the beginning of time?

I believe in our merciful God. I am also sure that human beings are free and responsible. So if there are plans, those are human. God plans our salvation, our peace, our communion. But many human individuals, leaders or leading groups plan to reach their own interests. We humans are responsible. God hopes that we one day will resolve our problems in the light of his revelation.

Will there ever be peace in the Middle East? If so, what will bring it about?

Peace in Middle East sounds now like a dream. It's utopic. But I think like Thomas More that the utopia of today will be the reality of tomorrow. So we have to not stop efforts to build peace.

What has been the reaction of the people you know to the turnover of power to the Iraqi authorities and the trial of Saddam Hussein?

Many Iraqis knew of the handover after it was done, but they didn't pay real attention. I am noticing a deep contradiction between the proudness and joy to recover the sovereignty, even if it's still relative, and the anger against the liberators. We can say that generally a feeling of satisfaction can be seen.

As for the trial of Saddam, as you know, there are many points of view. People will be interested, maybe amazed, by the trial and the many Byzantine turns it will take.

I think that Saddam died politically on April the 9th [2003]: With all his regime, he left Baghdad; he abandoned his government, his army and his people. He should have left power before then, as he had been encouraged to do. He could have avoided many dramas.

But he sacrificed all on the altar of his narcissism.