AboutJames Prince Expertise I can answer questions involving the regional politics, and U.S. foreign policy. Specific topics include; international terrorism, Middle East peace process, regional politics, Syria, Iraq, Israel, Palestinians, corruption, and democracy and reform efforts.
Experience Currently, I am the president of Democracy Council (www.democracycouncil.org), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting democracy, rule of law, and economic opportunit in emerging countries. Previously, I was a senior professional staff member for the House International Relations Committee and worked in the Middle East Studies department of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Publications Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Daily News, USA Today, Christian Science Monitor, Washington Times, Newsday, San Francisco Chronicle, Detroit News, Jerusalem Post, Houston Chronicle, Journal of Conflict Studies, Journal of Terrorism Violence and Insurgency, MIlken Institute Review, and the Journal of Current Affairs.
Expert: James Prince Date: 7/12/2008 Subject: Iraq
Question James
In the Doonesbury cartoon, Trudeau says that hundreds of thousands of Christians have fleed Iraq and it has been ignored by the media.
Is this true?
Where did they go?
If they have fled to Syria where the other refugees have gone,wouldnt that be a good thing as they would be a moderating influence in Syria?
Answer Carl, millions of refugees have fled Iraq following the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. Christians and other minorities as well as general civilian populations sought to escape the escalating violence, ethnic and religious conflicts, largely to neighboring countries of Jordan and Syria.
The exoduc of Christians from Iraq has been covered by the international media. However, I do not remember exact numbers.
In general, the Christian community could be a moderating influence in Syria. That said, the Iraqi refugee population in Syria is a potentially distabalizing factor and most likely unable to exert influence in the host country since they are considered guests with limeted rights.
