QUESTION:

Questions do arise when there is ambiguity and lack of clarity. The Assyrian people have no part in decision-making and do not know what the national agenda is nor where they stand. The Assyrian individual has no idea which way our nation is going and what steps are being taken. He does not know whether our nation is progressing towards a bright future, or is at a standstill. This is why the aforementioned question arises. Moreover, questions arise as a result of knowing, seeing, and hearing. The Assyrian hears, witnesses, and knows about the movements, struggles and achievements of other similar nations who were creative and victorious. All that which is witnessed, heard, and known raises questions about our nation: What it is doing, and where it stands.

From whom is this question asked? Truthfully, it is addressed to our national leadership. Who are they and where are they? Here it is necessary to remark, in order to awaken, raise the consciousness, or perhaps shake the reader, that only a worthy nation has a worthy leadership. This is possible if the nation is centralized, can exercise its free will and knows who its devoted, active, and loyal members are. However under the present circumstances, this is not an option for the Assyrians. The above statement must be transformed into: “The worth of a nation is in the worthiness of its leadership.”

If a nation is victorious, progressive and prosperous, it is because of the capability of its leadership. But if a nation is in distress, hardship, homeless; if it is dispossessed and forlorn, all this affliction is the result of incompetent leadership. What is obvious today, is that our nation suffers from harsh persecutions and destitution. This is our condition and our lot today. Where is the pillar against which our nation may lean and get encouragement? Where can the Assyrians look to get a glimpse of hope for the future? There are no answers to these questions nor the main question: Where does our nation stand and in which direction is it heading? Every Assyrian must individually seek an answer and find what is essential in our life. What is the reason for our apathy and inaction?

If someone asks us these questions what will our answers be? To provide answers we need to make the following observations:

Continuously different parts of our nation have lived under subjugation while the other parts have provided them with shelter, clothing and means of survival. This situation has been recurrent for 2,600 years and is our lot today. It has become second nature that whenever a section of us is uprooted, we react by focusing on feeding, clothing, or finding a shelter to our refugees. This reality and our reaction to it was clearly and dramatically demonstrated during the Gulf War when all the Assyrians participated in various meetings and generously donated to the cause of feeding and clothing the hungry and dispossessed Assyrian war refugees. Up to this day we are still busy fulfilling the imperatives of a habitual nature ingrained by recurrent conditions.

As you see, the imperatives of national conditioning have led us to satisfy our conscience with charitable activities which confine us and prevent us from taking further steps towards essential goals.

Let us be aware that the more an Assyrian makes offerings to the altar of charity, the less he has to offer in the way of will and determination to alter the existing conditions and bring about an escape from this vicious circle. Under customary practice, we have learned to react to oppression with welfare; when in fact the reaction to oppression can be protest and resistance. When we are pushed to the corner, we begin to think of how to survive in that corner instead of trying not to be cornered or not to stay cornered. It is not in our nature, it is not in our experience, it is not seen within the 2600 years of our history to react to oppression with force and deter-mination. We do not have an alternative vision or an alternative plan of action. The few instances such as Assyrian sovereignty in Urhai or Adiabene, and a few others, are because of leaders who had the alternative vision and acted upon it.

We are finding out that our second nature does not permit us to acquire self confidence in our collective worth and capabilities. We have lost all hope to achieve sovereignty and have become passive and silent. Whenever we have been slapped on one cheek, we have turned the other. But when we have had faith in ourselves, and have kept our spirit strong, we have accomplished powerful deeds. Our Christian history itself demonstrates the eternal glory our nation has earned in the spread of the Christian faith. In the cause of our faith, we were determined therefore we were able to accomplish a great deal. We were not afraid of sacrifices and we were successful. We earned this glorious history with our spiritual strength and self confidence. Alas we have not been so strong willed, so confident, and so sacrificing in the cause of nationalism.

Adopted habits are maladies that control the spirit, the will, and decisions. They drain our self-confidence and exhaust our will to stand up and resist. Whenever we are pushed to a corner, we do not have an appropriate reaction.

Under the imperative of an acquired nature, we have wiped out all that is essential for our national existence. We have cut off the tie that binds us and maintains our identity. We have stopped relying on our spiritual strength and have lost faith in our collective worth and capabilities. That which transforms a fox into a lion and leads the crippled to the summit--that is called ideology. Without it, there is no motivation, strength of mind, and faith in our collective capabilities and worth. Whoever is equipped with an ideology is capable of resisting, taking action, and succeeding.

Ideology has been a very powerful and consequential element in the destiny of nations. To illustrate, let us examine three cases that we have witnessed with our own eyes.

a. Consider the half-starved, ill-equipped Vietnamese--lacking in wealth and professional expertise--he fearlessly stands up to the American power: supreme in the most modern warfare. He defeats and chases out the American from his country proving that without an ideology one cannot be victorious in any battle. The world and the history of humanity is a witness that the victory of the Vietnamese was due to the presence of an ideology and the defeat of the Americans was due to lack of it.

b. The sandal-footed Afghani with a mantle on his shoulder, with no military power or training, defeats the much larger and powerful Russian force, which was famous in the battle of Stalingrad. He not only defeated and forced the retreat of the Russian army, but also caused havoc in the Russian government. The Afghani had a strong ideology, while the Russian did not possess a fundamental one.

c. The Palestinian who confronts Israeli fire power with stones gathered in the streets, does not get cornered, and is able to persist and achieve his goal. His spirit is nourished, directed and driven by the power of an ideology. He does not retreat despite innumerable sacrifices and the incarceration of war prisoners until he becomes victorious and gains respect.

Historical instances such as these are numerous. They clearly demonstrate that by means of an ideology the fox turns into a lion, and the lame ascends to the top of the mountain. In order to change our debilitating national habits, to strengthen our spirit, and to gain self-confidence in our collective worth, we need an ideology.

Malik Loco was asked in Lebanon in how many wars he had participated. His reply was that he had been in all kinds of battles and had fought against the Kurd, the Arab, and the Turk ever since he was sixteen. All these battles were for self-defense, in retaliation, or to carry out British orders. He had never fought to gain independence and freedom from oppression. Neither he, nor his superiors ever entertained such thoughts or goals. As you see, we have not had an ideology to guide us in the assessment of historical conditions in critical times.

We know of no nation whose ideology is exposed or written in a few statements. But on the basis of our analysis of the history, and the legacy of our people, we propose and present the Assyrian ideology by this statement:

Presently we boast three political activities:

1. We are pleased and congratulate ourselves for having gained a seat in UNPO (Unrepresented Nations and People Organization). Others have created this opportunity and we have received the crumbs. We are in the disposition of the will of others. We are in waiting to see when they will take a step that can benefit us. It is wrong to rely on others.

2. We are pleased and congratulate ourselves for gaining membership in the opposition group in Iraq. Others have created the opposition and are in charge of it. We are in anticipation of what steps they will take. They will benefit from our name and identity, but our voice does not carry any weight.

3. We are pleased and boastful that we have sent 5 delegates to the Kurdish parliament. They have created that parliament for themselves and we are an appendix.

Although theses political moves are better than none, but as ideological tenets, they are neither sufficient nor constructive. They bind us to others, keep us in waiting, and make us dependent on the foreign will. They lead us astray from our own path and we lose the will to plan our own future. This attitude, if pursued, may dim an otherwise bright future.

The Palestinian did not wait for leftovers. On the strength of his ideology, he did not appease his conscience by clothing and feeding the naked and the hungry. He used the plight of the destitute to mobilize and publicize his revolution.

The Jew used his exodus as a resource to publicize his plight worldwide.

Assyrians as well have many appropriate channels to make our voice heard and our national rights recognized.

The Assyrians have given big sacrifices to promote and fulfill the ideology of others. More than 40,000 young Assyrian men lost their life in the Iran-Iraq war. During WWII, more than 70 percent of young men were killed in a single Assyrian village in Russia. Thousands more were killed in Russia as a whole. There were numerous Assyrian casualties in the United States army during the Korean War. For the cause of Kurdish independence, not only have we given many casualties, but we have also suffered other great losses. In return for all this loss and suffering what has been our reward? With a smaller number of Assyrian casualties, for a genuine Assyrian ideology, our identity would have been publicized effectively and our voice would have carried more weight. We would have experienced a revived spirit and self-confidence in our collective strength and capability.

It is a great mistake to wait in the anticipation of charity from others. To depend on others is against the ideological tenets of the Assyrian people. To lean or depend on others means straying away from our ideological path and losing faith in the collective capability and worth of our nation. We have heard powerful nations, claiming: “If Christian minorities in the Middle East are suffering from oppression, let them migrate to Christian countries in Europe and America!”

All these thoughts and projections can be redirected to the benefit of the Assyrian people only if they are informed and enlightened by an Assyrian ideology. If equipped with an Assyrian ideology, our small nation can accomplish earthshaking deeds. The Assyrian ideology directs us to rely on ourselves under all circumstances. Do not wait. Be resolute. Take action. Depend on yourself. Depending on the leftovers of others is a waste of time and energy.

An ideology is like an avalanche. It descends from the mountaintop and spreads over the plain, and creates large torrential streams that roar along the way until they reach the sea of tranquillity and restfulness. Any stream that changes course loses its existence and becomes dissipated in the desert and in the marshes. But the one that stays on course, according to plan, reaches the sea and partakes of its power which is capable of causing shipwrecks and displacing age-old cliffs. Anyone who reaches planned goals has this kind of power. That is why every ideology needs a direction which is unchangeable irrespective of changes in time and conditions. It must not come under the power of a will which is not of its own. It must stay on course and follow its own direction. Under all circumstances it must preserve its integrity and authenticity.

The motto that we have chosen for the Assyrian nation is:

THE ASSYRIAN PEOPLE IDENTIFY THEMSELVES AS A NATION AND DESIRE TO LIVE IN FREEDOM LIKE ALL OTHER NATIONS.

As we see, the above-mentioned directive is subject to the Assyrian will and is compatible with any and all political inclinations. No philosophy or logic can find fault with it. Circumstances cannot bring change in its course. It is solid and permanent as long as the Assyrians maintain their identity. This course must end in the aforementioned sea. What is the sea in which the Assyrian ideology finds peace and tranquillity? That is the Assyrian national quest.

An ideology is alive as long as it is directed towards a well-defined and clear purpose. It is essential that the goal be the focus point, and the ultimate end of the ideological path: the most sacred goal of the Assyrian people. The goal must fulfill and satisfy the basic need upon which the survival of our nation depends. It must be like the tranquil sea which, at the same time, is stable and strong. We submit that the ultimate goal or the focus point of the Assyrian ideology is:

The Assyrian people cannot begin to identify themselves as a nation and desire to live in freedom like all other nations unless they achieve territorial and political identity.

Geographical maps in existence during the Ottoman Empire identify “Assyria” as the region of Bet-Nahrain, including surrounding mountains and valley. In modern times, the region has been renamed “Kurdistan”. The result of this inaccuracy has been the eradication of the Assyrian identity.

Sadly, many Assyrian leaders still identify themselves as being from “Northern Iraq or Kurdistan”. A more appropriate response is to say: “I am from Assyria”. The Manifesto challenges our people to claim our geographical identity before expecting others to grant it to us – to be proactive rather than reactive. We have the responsibility and the right to gain the Assyrian designation to the region which is our quest and our birthright.

First, we must begin to ascertain the boundaries of Assyria by using various sources(e.g.; claims presented by Assyrians to the League of Nations). Second, we must make crystal clear our geographical identity to ourselves. Third, we must then actively lobby the international community to delineate the boundaries of Assyria on international maps. Without a geographical identity, we can not begin to convince others to recognize us as a nation.

In addition to territorial identity, we must attain our own national, political identity. We must recognize that our focus cannot be our human or religious rights or our desire for peace and cultural harmony because such rights and desires are rarely granted to minorities. In fact, we will lose our people through assimilation.

We can gain our territorial and political identity if we accomplish the following six objectives.

International leaders cannot ignore the rights of a large multitude whose voice is loud and audible. We must understand that besides lacking longevity, the various designations currently used by us are inapplicable to our past history and will not substantiate our request for territorial and political recognition.

Our effort can only be earthshaking if we adopt one name for our nation and embrace one flag. To achieve our objective of great numbers, we must stop identifying ourselves using the following:

1. Religious Denominations: Jacobite, Chaldean, Maronite, Yizzidi, Assyrian converts to Islam, and others.

2. Regional Designations: Telkaifees, Syriani, Babylonian, Algoshites, Tekritis, Mosulites, Aramaeans and others.

3. Country of Citizenship: Citizenship of Assyrians in other countries is a temporary

Recognizing the strength of the Assyrian ideology, we must encourage our people to seek their home and livelihood in our fatherland and help rekindle our national spirit and loyalty.

There is a dire need for the Assyrian ideology to take root in our being, circulate in our veins, and change our adopted character which obscures our vision from seeing the truth, breaks our spirit and robs us of self-confidence and self help. We must realize that without geographical concentration the door of opportunity for freedom and revival remains closed. The more concentrated, the closer the day of emancipation.

Geographical concentration and large population will be ineffective without resolution to obtain our national rights. Resolution awakens and stirs up people into action. It is a creative force that leads to victory. Without a national will, we remain passive and silent; we tolerate servitude and inferiority. The Assyrian ideology will revive the Assyrian Will.

The foundation of any revitalization movement rests within a nation. It is imperative to explicate the ideological direction, specify its goals, and work towards those goals. Then any nation will find friends and supporters among other nations. We will find friends by what we create. Many nations will seek our solutions; therefore, they will willingly support our cause in all aspects and their existence will be beneficial in fulfilling our needs.

This Manifesto is realistic; we cannot neglect our refugees and others who suffer in poverty. However, we must insist that in addition to our own donations, we begin claiming our share of the international welfare budget. Furthermore, we must highlight each persecution in order to raise awareness of our plight in the international community and mobilize public opinion to defeat our oppressors. To achieve these objectives, we need to be effectively organized.

The Assyrian ideology, with its motto and objectives, opens the way to a discussion of our political identity and the manner by which it must be reinstated. Let us take stock of the history of a strong and large nation such as the USA. In their fight for independence, the 13 states, despite differences of opinion and strategy, needed to agree on a common political goal and come under a unified flag. They assembled and discussed the issues facing them behind closed doors until they came out all in agreement.

Every plan of action consists of three stages: the information gathering stage, the preparation stage, and the implementation stage. The information gathering stage began early this century with the establishment of such organizations as the

Assyrian Federations, the Assyrian Democratic Organization (Mdakasta) in 1957, the Assyrian Universal Alliance in 1968, Bet-Nahrain Democratic Party in 1972, the Assyrian Democratic Movement (Zowaa) in 1978.

During this period the general framework of the thoughts and the position of our people have been made clear. We are aware of the needs, the thoughts, and the reactions of our people in different circumstances. It is reasonable to state that we have passed the stage of information gathering and analysis. It is imperative to step forward and enter the stage of preparation. The most important and appropriate step is to build our political core. The political identity of every nation is a formal organization which has the power to make political decisions and implement them among its people. Every country and every political organization has an identifiable structure. This structure is made up of a parliament who’s members are elected by the people.

Due to the dispersion of our nation throughout the globe it is not possible to establish such a system among the Assyrians.

However, the already established social organizations, political parties, denominational organizations, and the Federations which represent the totality of the Assyrian nation can be used as the bases on which to build the political core to signify our political identity.

The backbone of the Assyrian strength is presently based on three main pillars:

1. Assyrian strength, embodied as cornerstone by our people dwelling in Assyria proper.

2. Assyrian strength incorporated by our people scattered throughout the world as immigrants.

3. Assyrian strength incarnated by our religious denominations.

To disregard or to set aside any one of the above three pillars, will result in the fall and destruction of our national organization. Their equal participation will ensure our union and strength.

To build the political core for the purpose of attaining our political identity, we suggest the delegation of the six objectives discussed above to the existing Assyrian organizations, discussed below.

This will be under the charge of Assyrian Democratic Organization(Mdakasta) which will determine how to plan and fulfill this objective.

Objective Two (Concentration):

This will be under the direction of the Assyrian Democratic Movement(Zowaa) which will determine how to plan and fulfill this objective.

his will be the responsibility of Bet-Nahrain Democratic Party which will determine how to plan and fulfill this objective.

This will be in the charge of Federations. These organizations will plan and carry out the projects associated with the preservation of this objective.

This will be under direction of AUA. They will organize and carry out the projects for this objective.

This will be under the care of religious institutions who will determine how to plan and fulfill this objective.

After these objectives have been assigned, the delegated organizations will make up the whole of the parliament as follows:

1. A Secretary General, a deputy, and a secretary from each political organization mentioned above.

2. The patriarch, a metropolitan, and a secretary from every religious institutions.

3. A President, a vice president, and a secretary from every federation.

This parliament is the aforementioned political core, or the Assyrian parliament which symbolizes the Assyrian political identity.

To gain the consent of the participants and alleviate doubts and apprehensions, the Parliament will initially run according to the following rules:

1. Every constituent organization will maintain its former identity. The sharing of responsibilities will lead to unity in thought and action which are two essential elements of creating solidarity and continuity.

2. Every organization will have veto power in every decision. Only that decision is valid which is taken unanimously.

3. Since responsibilities are interconnected and necessitate input from a variety of sources, at any time any organization must seek the help and cooperation of other organizations in fulfilling its objectives.

Because of all these, it is genuine and dedicated. It is a revelation and a manifesto. Nothing is omitted, nothing is overlooked. It is tied to us and is a part of us. It is in our will and within our power. Its course is gradual and progressive.

The Assyrian people are obligated to take it and follow its course. With all its ups and downs, they must ride the tide until they reach the shores of freedom. He who follows this solid and unchangeable course is victorious and successful.

For these reasons, this proposal and this document can be considered a national manifesto. At the same time, it fulfills all the requirements of a legal constitution for Assyrians in accordance with the circum-stances of our national existence. These requirements include:

1. Preamble: The Assyrians recognize themselves as a nation, they intend to live in freedom like all other nations.

2. Goal: Attainment of territorial and political identity.

3. Objectives:

a. Numbers.

b. Geographical Concentration

c. National Will

e. Assyrians and their friends

vi. Welfare Programs

4. Organizations: A provisional structure has been planned, but not included in this monograph. It is up to each organization to plan its own structure. A judiciary committee will be established by the secretariat of the Manifesto.

Some readers may have some questions with this proposal that might include the following

1. The name “ Assyrian” is not a designation accepted by all.

Answer: We must understand that besides lacking longevity, the various designations currently used by us do not relate to or tie us with our past history and will not substantiate our request for territorial and political recognition. In addition, we can not adopt compound designation because it indicates a mixed identity which can be in a state of constant division and separation. History has illustrated the disadvantages of a compound designation (e.g. Czechoslovakia “Czech versus Slav). We must also understand that every name reveals an identity with unique characteristics which, in turn, promotes visibility.

We can not adopt a religious and compound name. The only name which has been used in reference to us, both in ancient and contemporary historical documents, is the name “Assyria”. This designation has entitled us to a national identity, certain rights, and historical respect and glory to all Assyrians without exception. This Manifesto does not invalidate other denominational or tribal names but encourages their continuation as a regional or denominational designation only. Therefore, the name of our country shall be Assyria and the people shall be called Assyrians.

2. Patriarchs do not participate and take office in Parliaments.

Answer: Why should they not participate? They are members of this nation just as anyone else. They share in both our nation’s good and bad fortunes. They too thirst for freedom and peace, and want tranquillity for their nation as well as their congregations. They have a religious duty to look after the sufferings and tribulations of their people and their congregations. They are leaders and a source of hope and inspiration for their people. They cannot remain silent before oppressors and the enemies of peace and justice. They cannot be the rod and the arm of those governments which do not want our unity; but, want to create factionalism among our people to disown us. They carry the cross of our people on their shoulders. It is essential that they carry it to the calvary of emancipation intact, loyally and triumphantly.

They have risen from among the Assyrian people and have been responsive and receptive to the genuine concerns of their congregations. They cannot set themselves apart because they are from the people and of the people. Whoever is not with their people is with their enemy. Denominational differences have been the cause of too many friction and damage to our people.

This being the case, it is expected that our people and our congregations will no longer remain aloof and inactive; but will eagerly ask their patriarchs to participate in the Parliament and accept posts in organizations which symbolize the Assyrian identity. The declaration of the people to the religious leaders is: Beware that your title and your position is very important in creating unity among our people. Do not deprive the people of this. Your hesitation is detrimental to our identity and our survival.

3. The political parties and organizations as well as the federations will not participate in a national political Parliament.

Answer: Our political organizations have demonstrated a measure of loyalty, readiness and practical political maturity which is very encouraging and creates the optimism that they will be the cornerstone of our political core. They are experienced enough to realize what is being suggested and what is being asked of them. They are not losing anything, but gaining in importance and credibility. What kind of political party would not want our people to acquire a political identity by which they can free themselves, being on the verge of extinction. How can they precipitate the ultimate annihilation by non-participation? They are of the people and with the people. If the people ask them, they will participate.

4. There are certain denominations and political parties who have not been given rights of participation in this monograph.

Answer: We are not cognizant of any other denominations or organizations under a known leadership. If there are, they have the right to participate. We request that they identify themselves. They will be included as the founders of the Assyrian political core, and will be given suitable responsibilities.

By fulfilling the directives of this manifesto, the most urgent needs of the Assyrian people are met. These include:

1. Our patriarchs meet as brothers and sons of one nation. They ponder upon and discuss the well-being of our nation. This step is seen by our people as the most constructive and the most sublime in the history of our nation. Our people have been waiting for this day for ages and centuries.

 

2. Our political organizations and their leaders assemble under one roof and cooperate in thought and action to create a solid unity which is the basis of our national survival.

3. Our political identity is taking shape and giving us a distinctive national structure and character. Now we will become visible as a nation and our national quest will be heard. This is the beginning of all beginnings. Our objectives will be fulfilled smoothly. We will pass the preparation stage, and the arrangements for moving forward and reaching the ultimate goal, will be set forth and explicated. We repeat that there is no one who does not desire the above accomplishments. These comprise the general national quest. If that is so, then it is a decree from the people. It is imperative that we all abide by it and accept our responsibilities. Particularly those in the leadership are obligated to submit to the collective will and occupy themselves with the tasks before them the same way as other national leaders do.

A reminder to all Assyrians and their leaders: if not today, then when? Not thinking about our survival and our future, is certain death and destruction. The Assyrian people will interrogate any leader who does not participate in the Parliament. If their calls to service are ignored, the Assyrian people, armed with the Assyrian ideology, will identify other appropriate methods to obtain our leadership’s full participation and cooperation. The reason for this resolve: Assyrians realize that without an aggressive, competent leadership, a nation cannot be victorious, progressive or prosperous.

This Assyrian Manifesto is being distributed by the administration center of the Assyrian Secretariat for your information. We ask that all communication be mailed to this administration center at the address mentioned below.

We request your participation and assistance in:

1. Identifying any missing denominations or organizations;

 

2. Publicizing the Manifesto among all Assyrians;

 

3. Identifying ways to disseminate the Manifesto to external mass media including publications, newspapers, radio, and television;

 

4. Communicating all criticism and reaction to this manifesto for our review and evaluation.

The responsibilities of the secretariat end when the following conditions prevail:

¨ ü All suggestions, additions, and omissions are collected and communicated to the people so that everything is completely clear.

¨ ü The will and the need of the Assyrian people, as well as their reaction to this monograph is fully communicated to the delegates of the six objectives, discussed above.

¨ ü The secretariat, on behalf of the Assyrian people asks and receives from the delegates of the six entities letters of acceptance and intent to fulfill the national goals, and respond to the collective will of the Assyrian people.

¨ ü The delegates of the six entities reach an agreement as to a place and date to convene and create the political core, or the parliament, as the supreme leadership of the Assyrian people.

¨ ü The secretariat prints, all the minutes and the documents at its disposal in a monograph, to be saved as new pages in the Assyrian history.

¨ ü Completion of all necessary arrangements to convene the Assyrian Parliament.

Dear fellow Assyrians:

If you would like to help create local administrative office, please contact us at:

The Assyrian Secretariat

P.O. Box 1067

Campbell, CA 95009-1067

USA

Tel: 1-408-881-0880

Fax: 1-408-369-6311

Email: assyrian@assyriansecretariat.com