Beleaguered Arab Christians are finding their position among majority Muslim populations more precarious than usual as the US and UK pursue military action in Iraq.

BCC Reporter Martin Asser reports from Madaba, Jordan:
'When Bush talks about a "crusade" against terrorism in the Middle East, this is a big problem for us. The Americans should think what they say and what they do; they must remember that there are Christians here, and what they do affects us'.

By Martin Asser, March 24, 2003, BBC News Online, Madaba, Jordan

"There has been no persecution against Christians in Iraq until now. But there is fear among Christians now that if this secular and religiously tolerant regime goes, the fanatics and extremists will pop up," one Western envoy said.

Iraqi Christians had felt protected during 35 years of rule by the pan-Arab nationalist Baath Party, which was founded by Michel Aflaq, a Christian from Syria.

By Samia Nakhoul, Reuters, March 17, 2003

Saudi Arabia, as the birthplace of Islam, will not allow churches to be built on its land, according to Defense Minister Prince Sultan

AP, March 10, 2003

Saddam Hussein's Middle East region is home not only to 150 million Muslims but to a minority remnant of 10 million to 12 million Christians
Their heritage extends to the biblical beginnings depicted in the Book of Acts. The new faith quickly spread to Syria, where "the disciples were for the first time called Christians" (Acts 11:26), across present-day Turkey and into Europe and points eastward.

But in modern times, Christians' status in the region has long been precarious. The Iraq situation makes matters worse.

By Richard N. Ostling, AP Religion Writer March 08, 2003

The court postponed the destruction order issued by Nazareth Magistrate's Court last Thursday.

The square in Nazareth has become the source of tension between Christian and Muslim leaders and groups because of differing interpretations of its historic and spiritual importance

By Uri Ash, Haaretz, March 13

Philip, Abigail's father held a Bible and told the mourners in a choked voice of how he choose Abigail's name for its meaning in Hebrew, "father's joy."

The tragic death of Abigail in a terror attack was one of the first opportinuties the Israeli media is exposed to the tiny community of evangalicals living in the country

Special Reporter, Come and See, March 9, 2003

The court orders to demolish the first floor that was built in Shehab El-Din Mosque in Nazareth. The mosque was built on a disputed land near the Church of Announciation, where according to the tradition, is the site where the angel announced to the virgin Mary that she will have a son that will be the Messiah

Special For Come and See, March 6, 2003

At least 15 people were killed and more than 40 wounded, some critically, in a suicide bombing yesterday afternoon at a main Egged bus line stop in central Haifa. Abigail Litle, the 14 year old daughter of Baptist Pastor was killed in blast.

Funeral will take place on Sunday, March 09 at 12:00, at the Messianic cemetery at the southern entrance to Haifa.

Special for Come and See, March 6, 2003

Coptic Bishop Wissa of Baliana Diocese, articulated the dismay of many in the Christian community :"If those accused are really innocent, where are the real killers? The 21 Christians who were so brutally murdered in January 2000 did not kill themselves"

By Michael Ireland, ASSIST News Service, March 3, 2003