OPINION

THE SILENT MASSACRE of Christian communities across Muslim Northern Africa and the Middle East has met its first determined opposition in Donald Trump’s strike on ISIS targets in Nigeria.

This pogrom of Christians has been going on for decades, mostly unreported, completely unchallenged by Western countries. European leaders and American Presidents have until now hardly commented on the phenomenon. It is a topic that until now could hardly be mentioned. Persecution of Christians was cancelled almost as soon as it began. As it does not fit in with the standard West as oppressor narrative, it has been left to stew in a pot of indifference. Actually, it’s even arguable that some Westerners hate Christians more than fundamentalist Muslims do. Whatever the case, Christian communities across the Muslim world are being slowly eradicated in a real, genuine, genocide, and until now it has barely raised an eyebrow. Indeed, ironically, Israel is really the only place Christians are safe in that region.

At Christmas, it’s perhaps apt that the Christians of the Middle East and Northern Africa be given some consideration. Or at least a recognition of their existence. For as long as they do exist.