Preserving Iraq’s Christian Heritage Through U.S.-Kurdistan Cooperation

In an interview with Kurdistan24, Martin Manna, President of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce, praised Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s visit to Washington as a diplomatic success that effectively emphasized shared U.S.-Kurdistan interests like energy freedom, religious liberty, and economic cooperation. Manna highlighted Kurdistan’s role as a safe haven for Christians and called for structural reforms to promote economic opportunities, religious freedom, and political inclusion to encourage Christians to remain in their homeland. He emphasized Kurdistan’s superior advocacy for minorities compared to Baghdad and stressed the importance of security, cultural preservation, and resolving disputed territories. Manna also noted the significant contributions of the Chaldean-American community in the U.S., particularly in Michigan. He encouraged continued engagement between Kurdistan and the U.S., affirming the Chamber’s commitment to supporting the Christian community’s future in Iraq.