In the last week, the US military tar­geted airstrikes at ISIL terrorists who have overrun Iraq and Syria, while on a humanitarian operation that is the first serious incursion since US troops withdrew in 2011.The aid was for the Yazidi minority and community north­west of Mosul. These included Qa­raqosh, the biggest Christian city in Iraq, which fell under control of Islamic State (IS) militants. The New Statesman, explained the Yazidi faith as a unique monotheistic adaption of ancient dualism. The name Yazidi is derived from the ancient Persian term yazata, which means “who deserves to be wor­shipped,” a Zoroastrian concept. Yazidis believe in one creator with two different main actors in the universe: God and Sa­tan. They believe Satan is a creation of God and his role is a sacred duty. Conse­quently, they respect Satan and oppose any insult of him.

The New Statesman also explained why the humanitarian action was des­perately needed. A majority of the Yazidi community fled before the arrival of IS forces and took refuge in the mountains of Sinjar. Remaining Yazidis have been presented with two options by their new rulers: convert to Islam or be killed. IS militants did not offer the Yazidis ei­ther of the two other options that were extended to remaining Christians: leav­ing the area or paying the jizya, a form of tribute that “religions of the book” (Ahl Al-Kitab) must pay in return for “protec­tion,” according to Islamic fundamental­ist belief.

Large numbers of Yazidi men have been massacred and women have be­come slaves. Some have converted to Is­lam to save themselves and their fam­ilies. Children are dying of thirst and starvation. As the Yazidis lack weapons, when IS forces turn their attention to these displaced people the prospects of genocide seem high.

(from combined services)