
Breadcrumb
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People look at strangers with suspicion. They sleep worried. They wake up worried. |
The uprising was long in the making. But then the militants of the Islamic State group hijacked it when they raised their black flags on the institutions of the Iraqi state. At first, the people of Mosul were relieved to see the back of the Iraqi army. People were relieved when IS propaganda assured the population that citizens would be respected, that the IS would not impose any particular way of thinking.
Then they showed their fangs. They began by destroying the city’s beautiful landmarks. Down came the statues of Abu Tammam, the poet, and Mulla Othman, the artist. IS militants smashed the dome of the mausoleum of Ibn al-Athir, the historian. Then they moved to Mosul’s historic mosques, that of the Prophets Yunis (Jonah), Jirjis, Sheeth (Seth) and Daniel as well as the Sheikh al-Shatt, Muhammad Qassim, Abu al-Ala and al-Imam al-Bahir mosques.
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Thousands have fled Mosul for uncertain fates [AFP] |
The Nineveh school system was abolished and our Christian brothers became targets. They were faced with three options. Pay the jizya tax, convert to Islam or face death. Next were the Yazidis, who were forced to flee. Then our Shia brothers, many of whom had never previously wondered whether they were Shia or Sunni.
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The property of those who fled are now a source of funds for IS. Revenue also comes from petrol trading, fruit and vegetables brought in from Syria - and from taxes. Local traders say that before they can even bring their goods to market, 30 percent of the price is taken in taxation, apparently for zakat, to be redistributed among poor Muslims.
People look at strangers with suspicion. They sleep worried. They wake up worried. Their new masters have made new laws. The only official institution that still works is the Sharia court. They settle disputes and uphold the new laws. These have banned smoking. Those who smoke risk a flogging. Those who sell cigarettes risk a flogging. Women, even young girls, must wear the veil. Those who don’t risk a flogging.
No birth is recorded. No death is recorded. This is becoming a city without history. The Prophet Muhammad is love and mercy. The Islamic State group knows neither.
I write from a field of pain.
All views expressed here are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of al-Araby al-Jadeed, its editorial board or staff.