Stalked

Over 2 million Iraqis have fled to neighboring countries. Victims of organized militant groups, most are traumatized into never going back—but where do they go from here? | Mindy Belz

Associated Press/Photo by Joachim Ladefoged/VII

ALEPPO and DAMASCUS, Syria—Thousands of Iraqi Christians have found threats like this under their front doors or stoops, in stairwells or shoved through their courtyard gates: "Be informed that we will cut your heads and leave your dead bodies with no organs and no heads in your stores and houses. We know your houses and we know your family. We will kill you one after the other. Depart the Muslim areas."

Others have received text messages in Arabic like this one sent to a Christian family in Mosul earlier this month: "When your head is put over your back [an expression describing how sheep are slaughtered] then there is no chance to feel sorry for you. It will be too late. Allah is the supporter who gives swords to his warriors."