Rafael Sako: Israel’s Attempt to Change Iran’s Regime Endangers the Middle East
“Rafael Sako,” leader of Chaldean Christians, warned about the endangerment of the Middle East in case of Israel’s attempt to change Iran’s regime.
Cardinal Louis Rafael Sako, leader of Iraq’s Chaldean Christians, in an interview with Vatican-affiliated news network “Fides,” warned about Israel’s efforts to change Iran’s regime. He described regime change as a result of foreign interventions as a factor that endangers the situation in the Middle East.
Rafael Sako stated during his remarks: “Regime change should be determined by the citizens of each country, and imposing a new government from outside will have negative consequences.” Referring to the regime change in Iraq, which occurred through American intervention and invasion during Saddam Hussein’s rule, he added: “The Iraqi people, especially the Christian community, have suffered heavy losses and are concerned that the outbreak of a new war will destroy the current fragile peace.”
The Chaldean leader also spoke about Iran’s current situation following the brief war between Iran and Israel: “Recent events are very concerning, and today’s world has lost its international order. It is necessary for everyone to use common sense and to set aside the discourse of hatred, violence, and war.
People’s lives and achievements should not be sacrificed for politics and interests. Peace is a blessing that must be seriously protected, and this protection must become a real duty in the lives of all.”
The Cardinal of Iraqi Christians, referring to Israel’s military operations against Iran, said: “Iraq’s experience shows that foreign intervention and attempts to weaken governments are often fruitless and harmful. Countries’ sovereignty must be respected, and issues must be resolved through dialogue and courage.”
He again emphasized regime change by the people and continued: “Changing a country’s regime is the responsibility of that country’s citizens, and imposing it from outside will only worsen the situation. Twenty-two years after the collapse of the regime in Iraq, real stability and security, rule of law, and full citizenship have still not been established in the country, and problems such as corruption and sectarianism persist.”
Louis Rafael also expressed his views on the situation of Christians in Iraq: “Christians, like other Iraqis, have suffered greatly from ISIS and have been marginalized. Many of their villages are still occupied by militias and their parliamentary seats have been stripped. However, despite all these challenges, Iraqi Christians still have faith in the future and will continue their mission in this land.”
