By ERIC STERN SACRAMENTO -- It might have been the most pro-American rally on Friday, the first anniversary of the U.S. war on Iraq, with flag waving, rounds of "God Bless America," even chants of "long live George Bush." For California's Christian Assyrian community, descendants of the ancient empire in what is now Iraq, the toppling of dictator Saddam Hussein was long awaited and much appreciated. More than 100 Assyrians gathered at the Capitol to show their support for the U.S. intervention and to call for a stronger Assyrian role in the new Iraqi government. Most people at the rally came by bus from Stanislaus County, which has a population of about 20,000 Assyrians. "They've only got half the job done," said Ann-Margaret Yonan of Turlock. "We want our national identity to be recognized as the indigenous people of Iraq." The Assyrians are an ethnic minority from northern Iraq. Many fled or were deported as Saddam's Baath Party came into power. But about 1.5 million remained, living in oppression under Saddam's regime. The Interim Governing Council of Iraq -- a 25-member board that reaches across religious, geographic and ethnic lines -- includes one Christian Assyrian. But California's Assyrians say that person is not a true spokesman of their people. "We do not have standing there right now. Absolutely no representation. Nothing," said Sargon Dadesho of Ceres, founder of the Assyrian National Congress. Assyrians seeking regional autonomy Assyrians are unhappy that the interim government has established a Kurdish province on their historic land, and they are calling for their own regional autonomy. Next month, Dadesho is set to lead a delegation of Assyrians to Washington, D.C., to meet with policy-makers involved in shaping the Iraqi government. "It's a critical time," said Dadesho, pointing out that an interim constitution was signed this month and the United States has vowed to turn over the reins soon. Dadesho said he wants a "united, pluralistic and democratic Iraq" that does not ignore Assyrians. 'It's a nation that's almost extinct' The struggle for a homeland comes as many Assyrian-Americans cling to the remaining strands of their biblical-era roots, which include a language similar to Aramaic, spoken in the movie "The Passion of the Christ." "If I don't care, who would care?" asked Sargon Yousip, 24, of Modesto, a U.S.-born pharmacy student at the University of the Pacific in Stockton. "It's a nation that's almost extinct." Bee Capitol Bureau reporter Eric Stern can be reached at 916-326-5544 or estern@modbee.com. |