The Plight of Iraq's Mandaeans and Honderich's Principle of Humanity

Nashi S., Bolender J.

POLITICS, vol.29, no.2, pp.93-99, 2009 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 29 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2009
  • Doi Number: 10.1111/j.1467-9256.2009.01344.x
  • Journal Name: POLITICS
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.93-99
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Due to persecution, Sabean Mandaeans have fled Iraq in large numbers. Although there is widespread suffering and vulnerability in Iraq, the Mandaeans are a special case, since they have no safe enclave within Iraq to which they can return and their pacifism makes them especially vulnerable to violence. Ted Honderich's Principle of Humanity is used to argue that countries able to do so, meaning wealthy Western nations in particular, should take steps to guarantee the Mandaeans a safe homeland where they can not only live but also maintain their cultural identity.