In various parts of the Muslim world, religious minorities are facing a
reign of terror. In the Middle East, persecution has become so terrible
and widespread some experts are predicting that non-Muslims may be
entirely driven from the region known for millennia as the cultural
crossroads.
Until now, the West has said little and done less about this burgeoning human rights crisis. But this could change.
On September 19, the US House of Representatives overwhelmingly (402-22)
passed a bill to create at the State Department a new special envoy
charged with being an advocate for vulnerable religious minorities in
the Middle East and South Central Asia.
Whether it will pass in the Senate remains to be seen. Two years ago, the same bill was blocked from coming to a vote.
The Senate Democratic leadership had bowed to administration opposition.
The State Department's view, stated in a position paper, was that the
special envoy position would be "unnecessary, duplicative, and likely
counterproductive."
This is strange language from a Department that uses about 25 special envoys, many created by the Obama administration, itself.
Continued
reign of terror. In the Middle East, persecution has become so terrible
and widespread some experts are predicting that non-Muslims may be
entirely driven from the region known for millennia as the cultural
crossroads.
Until now, the West has said little and done less about this burgeoning human rights crisis. But this could change.
On September 19, the US House of Representatives overwhelmingly (402-22)
passed a bill to create at the State Department a new special envoy
charged with being an advocate for vulnerable religious minorities in
the Middle East and South Central Asia.
Whether it will pass in the Senate remains to be seen. Two years ago, the same bill was blocked from coming to a vote.
The Senate Democratic leadership had bowed to administration opposition.
The State Department's view, stated in a position paper, was that the
special envoy position would be "unnecessary, duplicative, and likely
counterproductive."
This is strange language from a Department that uses about 25 special envoys, many created by the Obama administration, itself.
Continued
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