Following the huge regression in the situation of Iraq's minorities after the Islamic State (IS) took control of many of the regions where they reside, they were left with no choice but to call for being armed and trained to protect themselves from the attacks they have witnessed from extremists. This call has not been limited to arming a specific minority, but rather became a mass call advocated by leaders, political parties, activists and individuals in various ways.
On Sept. 7, Hadi Baba Sheikh, the chairman of the Supreme Yazidi Spiritual Council, called on the international community to arm the Yazidis in the Sinjar Mountains to confront the danger of IS militants, who still control the city of Sinjar. He also called for the establishment of a safe region in the plains of Ninevah province, which is characterized by vast religious and ethnic diversity. This area is one of the regions disputed by Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), and IS controls most of it. On Aug. 5, hundreds of Yazidis held large demonstrations in the cities of Dahuk province, demanding that they be granted arms to defend their regions.
The Iraqi Turkmen Front called on Aug. 17 for arming the Turkmen and forming a volunteer force to fight IS, which controls some Turkmen regions such as Tal Afar, and other areas including Amerli. While Amerli recently emerged from the siege, it is still at risk of takeover by IS because it is on the front line of clashes.
As for the Christians, they have previously demanded international protection and arms so they can defend themselves. These calls increased following the fall of Mosul. IS seized their properties and expelled them, while some were killed at the hands of this extremist organization. On Aug. 18, Chaldean Patriarch Mar Louis Raphael I Sako called for the deployment of "international forces, which would be assisted by Christian recruits, to protect Christians and [allow them] to return to their homes." This is particularly needed because their culture is not one of fighting, and the nature of the land does not help them to fight. It is characterized by plains and there are no mountains or caves.
AL-MONITOR All-Access gives you unlimited access to all our journalism, the full Daily Briefing, exclusive interviews, premium newsletters, and live events — for less than $2/week.
