Shiite. and Kurdish militants. The severe violations of religious freedom faced by members of these indigenous communities. and their potential extinction from their ancient homeland. is deeply alarming in light of our mission to bring freedom to the Iraqi people. In addition. such violence may be an indicator of greater sectarian violence. Such rising violence and the Iraqi internally displaced people and refugee crises potentially could serve as catalysts for wider regional instability. These crises demand an urgent response from our Government. On January 11. 2008. 1 received a response from the Department of State to the questions I posed in my letter.