" If Ever We Needed Your Prayer It Is Now. "

[naomi24]

So says Canon Andrew White, of Baghdad's St George's Church, the only Anglican church in Iraq. ""Over a 1000 Iraqi troops were killed by them [IS] yesterday, things are so bad. As I said all the military air strikes are doing nothing. If ever we needed your prayer it is now."

The news comes amid reports that a Syrian terror group linked to Al-Qaeda is considering an alliance with IS militants. Militant group al-Nusra warned that countries taking part in the US-led effort were engaging in a war against Islam, calling for jihadists to target those involved.

I heard this on tonight's Channel 4 News. It made me weep for this sorry, sorry, world. What on earth is to be done?

[Hypognosis]

I was surprised to find that civilian airlines are still flying into and out of Baghdad. Presumably these Christians are too hard-up to ditch their homes and possessions and get on a plane? What more watertight case for an asylum claim is there?

Note: worryingly, the main airport is to the west of the city i.e. closer to the approaching PIIS forces. Based on what happened to the parked aircraft at Tripoli, the fact that an airport is "well defended" doesn't mean that your means of escape will survive the crossfire. Even escape to a safe airport, further east may not be feasible: the road network is the first place you'd expect to encounter them.

Incidentally, where are Iraqi Airways getting their fuel from: the insurgents or from destination countries?

[agchristie]

Dieseldick - I've just played the video. Utterly dreadful. We are all aware of the general situation but this interview really brings the hopeless position more to life. Of course, several months on their plight is even worse.

My senses are certainly awakened even more.

[agchristie]

Hypo - Many of these Christians do not wish to leave and they see their faith and people like the remarkable Canon White as their hope and salvation.

[ladybirder]

I can't bear to watch DD's video but I think I can probably imagine. Do we know if they have advanced at all since Thursday? Not seen the news which is unusual for me.

[agchristie]

Ladybirder, there are some conflicting reports regarding distance but ISIS are without doubt closing in on the capital, though they are meeting with resistance.

Those trying to flee have a very difficult task as ISIS have control in many key areas.