The Assyrian International News Agency (AINA) reported that blame is being leveled at the Iraqi government’s lack of response, as well as what AINA dubbed inaction by Coalition forces in the face of mounting attacks against areas heavily populated by Christians.

According to AINA, the primary focus of the community's concerns now centers on the deteriorating security situation of the Assyrian Christians in the Dora neighborhood of Baghdad, located a few miles southwest of the city. Prior to the war, the predominantly Christian neighborhood was home to over 5000 Christian households. Since the war and the subsequent insurgency, most people have fled the area.

Some observers have noted that the recent threats and attacks have escalated proportionately as the insurgents have experienced increased attacks. On May 18, St. George Church was burned down by Islamist arsonists. The same church had survived an earlier bombing along with five other churches on Oct.16 2004. On May 20, Fr. Hanna was kidnaped in Baghdad.

AINA reported that in April Christian residents of Dora were given an ultimatum to either pay the jizya, a "protection" tax demanded by the Koran, convert to Islam, or leave. Those choosing to leave were reportedly not allowed to take their possessions with them, as these were said to "now belong to the mosque."

At least 21 families unable to circumvent the insurgent forces besieging the neighborhood have found refuge in nearby churches, AINA reported. The church burning has heightened fears that even churches are no longer safe for Assyrian Christians.

AINA stated that on May 18, the Patriarch of the Ancient Church of the East, Mar Addai II reportedly stated that, "only the families that agree to give a daughter or sister in marriage to a Muslim can remain." Moreover, homes not yet seized by force are being increasingly legally signed over by family members of hostages in exchange for their relatives release.

Despite numerous appeals to U.S. and Iraqi government forces, Christian community leaders have not seen repeated assurances of assistance materialize. AINA reported that one observer angrily noted, "Whether unwilling or unable, Iraqi forces along with Coalition forces have refused to assist us in any meaningful way. We have had numerous meetings with Iraqi and American security forces to underscore the severity of the crisis facing our people, and yet have not had any response."

Already viewed with suspicion by the Islamist insurgents as collaborators with American "occupation" forces, AINA reported that Assyrian Christians have often borne the brunt of reprisals by radical Islamics.

In a rare condemnation, the Assyrian Patriarch of the Chaldean Church, Mar Emmanuel Delly, lashed out against U.S. forces who occupied Babel College, the former theological center of the Chaldean Church, without the Church's consent.