Head of Beth Nahrain Patriotic Union Joseph Sliwa: Iraq faces deep social and political challenges

DASHTO D’NINWE — In an interview with Video Agencyia, Joseph Sliwa, head of the Beth Nahrain Patriotic Union (Huyodo Beth Nahrain Athroyo, HBA), raised alarms over Iraq’s worsening social and political challenges, which he says are further destabilizing the nation.

Sliwa lamented the neglect faced by those who fought to protect Iraq’s security and stability. He emphasized that many of these fighters have not received proper recognition, noting failures by some authorities to pay their salaries or formally acknowledge their sacrifices.

Betrayal of Shigur and Dashto d’Ninwe

Sliwa reflected on the events of 2014, when the Islamic State (ISIS) overran Shigur (Shingal / Sinjar) and Dashto d’Ninwe (Nineveh Plains), leaving Christian and Yezidi communities defenseless. He accused security forces, including the Peshmerga of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), of abandoning these areas during the crisis.

“When ISIS attacked, thousands were killed or abducted, and Yezidis and Christians were denied the right to arm themselves for self-defense,” Sliwa stated. He highlighted the atrocities committed, including mass killings, forced displacements, and the enslavement of women, which left lasting scars and intensified social and political tensions across Iraq.

Plight of Iraq’s Christians

Iraq’s Christian population has dwindled to approximately 300,000, down from over 1.5 million before 2003. Despite their historical roots in the region, Christians lack independent military forces for their protection. Instead, some groups use their name but remain under Kurdish and Shiite political influence — a situation Sliwa described as perpetuating political oppression.

Efforts to establish self-governance in Dashto d’Ninwe have made little progress, leaving Christians without meaningful autonomy or reliable protection.

Read Also: A Future for Christians in Iraq: A Proposal from Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian Political Parties

Salaries as Political Bargaining Chips

Sliwa also criticized the withholding of government salaries in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), describing it as an unethical political tactic. He explained that the federal government in Baghdad refuses to transfer funds to the KRG unless agreements on oil revenue-sharing are fulfilled.

“What was once a basic right has become a tool of political extortion,” Sliwa said. “Employees are left in financial limbo, which contradicts moral and humanitarian values.”

He warned that delayed salaries are exploited by some political factions to pressure employees into supporting specific parties during elections, an act he deemed an unacceptable manipulation of citizens’ livelihoods.

Call for Reform

Sliwa concluded with an urgent call for Iraqi leaders to address these pressing issues. He stressed the need to honor the sacrifices of fighters, safeguard minority rights, and ensure transparent governance that prioritizes the needs of all Iraqis.

As Iraq continues to grapple with political unrest and security threats, Sliwa’s remarks highlight the urgent necessity of comprehensive reforms to stabilize the nation and address longstanding grievances.

This article can also be read in Arabic.