DeChristianization, 3

On the Huffington Post , Christian Sahner provides some background for the current hostility against Christians in the Middle East. He notes, for instance that “Western nations have long showered attention upon Arab Christian communities.” As a result of their role in diplomatic relations between Europe and the Ottoman Empire, for instance, , Christians gained a “privileged relationship gave Christians unprecedented access to education, wealth, and influence.” Anti-Christian animus is thus of a piece with anti-Westernism.

Domestically, too, Christians have been used for political purposes:

“authoritarian regimes in the Middle East to foster ties to minority groups in order to offset opposition coalitions. In both Egypt and Syria, the government won the support of Christians in part by stoking fear of an Islamist takeover. ” Christians accepted the protection they offered, having little choice: ” the regimes could portray themselves as guardians of secularism and stability — a wager the Christians could not afford to reject. Ultimately, however, it proved to be a deal with the devil. Despite pretensions of national unity, the regimes failed to suppress sectarian strife, as in Egypt; or they never bothered to truly delegate power outside a narrow religious clique, as in Syria. Fast-forward to 2011, the Christians’ regime loyalty has not only become passé, but perhaps even dangerous. During a time when many desire to settle old scores, the political ties that once shielded Christians have become a major liability.”

Finally, the attacks on Christians are indicative of the “slow death of Arab nationalism”: “For much of the twentieth century, nationalism was the prevailing ideology in many Arab countries. It represented an inclusive vision of political community for all Arabic-speakers — one which aspired to transcend ties of region, culture and even creed. It is no wonder that many of the founding fathers of Arab nationalism, such as Michel Aflaq, were themselves Christians.” As nationalism dies, though, Christians are left without cover, and Islamism takes over.