The Christian minority in Iraq has been fleeing the chaos and sectarian violence in the country violence which, in many cases, has been directed specifically at the Christian Community.  The Associated Press reports that in response  Iraq's prime minister Nouri al-Maliki pledged recently to protect and support them.  In addition he affirmed the government's determination to undertake actions necessary to stop the outflow of Iraqi Christians.

al-Maliki's pledge followed a meeting he held with Chaldean patriarch of Baghdad, Emmanuel III Delly.  Delly has been outspoken about the need to protect minority Christians from Iraq's spiraling violence.  Earlier this month, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him a cardinal, along with 22 others.

The Christian community in Iraq constitutes about 3 percent of the country's 26 million people.  As such it is particularly vulnerable and has little political or military clout to defend itself.  Since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, Christians in general and churches, clergy and Christian businesses in particular, have been attacked by Islamic extremists who consider Christians "crusaders" loyal to U.S. troops.  Consequently, the AP reports citing  the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, about half of Iraq's Christians may have left the country in search of a better, safer life.  The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom advises the White House and Congress.