The war in Iraq exacerbated this situation and further endangers the faith of this group. It is estimated that as many as 40.000 Iraqi Christians. 5 percent of the faithful. have left the country since the war has begun. While Iraqi Christians make up just 3 percent of the overall population. reports are that Christians make up more than 20 percent of the refugee exodus to Syria. and there are mounting fears that if Iraq becomes an Islamic theocracy. the exodus will accelerate. My congressional district. the 18th District of California. happens to be home to a large Assyrian population. I have heard the horror stories from some in my district. and I am corn mitted to ensuring that the interests of the Assyrians and the broader Christian community are well protected in the new Iraq.