So governments and the media are preoccupied with Gaza, but what about Iraq?

It is a tedious seasonal metaphor, now clichéd to the point of political hollowness, but these "Arab springs", once hailed as the founts of liberty and democratic dreams, have become long, cold winters of turmoil, suffering, persecution and mass slaughter.

Egypt is economically unstable; Syria is in meltdown; Iraq is disintegrating; Libya has become the very bloodbath we tried to avert; Saudi Arabia is struggling with internal discord; and Iran is fomenting regional conflict.

The Arab world is collapsing in painful spasms and convulsing in a series of existential catastrophes and disintegration has been swift and inexorable.

The ensuing humanitarian tragedy is epic - one might almost say 'biblical'.

Tens of millions across the Arab world are in need of urgent aid as they displaced, made homeless and hunger for their daily bread.

Hundreds of thousands have lost their lives through civil war and sectarian strife.

Now that the regional strongmen have fallen one by one, the vacuum is being filled by the Salafist-Jihadist Islamic State, and they have brought hell on earth.

Where is the Arab League in all this?

How are they responding to the Caliphate?

What are they saying about the apocalyptic death and destruction?

Where are the declarations opposing Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi or uniting in their condemnation of his 'robust' interpretation of Islam?

On Tuesday 5^th August 2014, CNN ran this story showing the dire situation of the Christians in Iraq.

They interviewed Canon Andrew White, asking him if harmony could be achieved once again between religious groups, more specifically, can it be achieved in this generation? 

He responds with simply, “I don’t know.”

The ultimatum given to Iraqi Christians coupled with increasing persecution makes it hard to tell. 

There are, however, a few causes of optimism.

God's people are not mute; nor are they turning a blind eye and here are the latest update from the Vicar of Baghdad, Canon Andrew White 

So lets all keep praying for Iraq, especially the Christian population there.

The Archbishop of York, Dr. John Sentamu, has published three prayers for the people of Iraq, highlighting the common suffering of both Christians and Muslims. 

His prayers are:

Hold in your loving arms, all those who have been caught up in this conflict. We pray for those forced to flee their homes, all who have lost friends, family and possessions and who now face an uncertain future. Bless our Christian brothers and sisters who have seen the destruction of their churches and communities and for our Muslim neighbours who have also experienced destruction and suffering. Amen

Lord, in this city where Christians and Muslims have lived together for over 1400 years, we pray for healing, peace and restoration. Bring light out of this present darkness and hope from despair that guided by your Holy Spirit, all your children may find a new way forward together based on your love for us all. Amen

Holy God, your Holy family was driven into exile and many holy innocent boys were massacred, we hold before you today the suffering people of Mosul. Amen

The Most Rev. and the Rt Hon Justin Welby released a statement on Friday 8^th August 2014, which can viewed by visiting: Archbishop of Canterbury on Iraq

Crisis in Iraq – read five things we can actually do to help

So, could we all try to do, at least, one of these today?