ISIS' Genocide of Christians: The Past, Present and Future of Christians in the Middle East

In Spring 2016, the United States declared that t­­he Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) committed genocide against religious minorities, including Christians in Syria and Iraq. The decision came after a long debate and significant controversy over whether ISIS’ atrocities amounted to genocide and whether Christians were indeed targeted for extinction. Upon the two year anniversary of the designation, we will examine what the United States can do to help these communities rebuild and reestablish themselves as a moderating influence in a region riven apart by sectarian strife. And despite the military containment of ISIS, its genocidal ideology continues to appeal to new recruits and it has recommitted itself to attacking Christian targets in other countries. Along with representatives of indigenous Christian communities, experts in international human rights, law, religious freedom, Islamic theology, and terrorism financing will discuss the challenges to religious minorities and international peace and security posed by violent religious extremist groups like ISIS.