Exodus of Christians hits Baghdad district
Ex-residents say US response to purge was lacking
By Ned Parker, Los Angeles Times
July 5, 2007

BAGHDAD -- The two men knocked on Abu Salam's door on a Friday morning. He was one of the last remaining Christians on his block.

"Peace be upon you," they said, and Abu Salam, a man in his 50s, repeated the greeting.

The pair, one fat and the other thin, spoke politely. Both were clean-shaven and wore slacks and button-down shirts.

"You are now aware the neighborhood of Muwallamin belongs to the Islamic State of Iraq," the bigger man said. "We have three conditions you can accept: You can pay a tax, become a Muslim, or you can leave your house and we will help you take out your furniture."

"We'll let you make up your mind." the rest