Need to Know, December 23, 2011: Christian-Muslim relations in Iraq

Ray Suarez hosts this Christmas weekend’s edition of Need to Know, which shines a light on the precarious state of Iraqi Christians. Correspondent Martin Himel travels to Baghdad to see how Christian-Muslim relations in the country might fare after the departure of American troops.

Also: Ray Suarez speaks with Anthony Shadid of the New York Times, and Jon Meacham gives an “American Voices” essay on how Muslims, Jews and Christians can reconcile their differences.

Watch the individual segments:

Faith under fire

After a recent trip to Baghdad, correspondent Martin Himel reports this Christmas weekend about the now precarious position of Iraqi Christians. In the years since the capture and killing of Saddam Hussein, hundreds of thousands of Christians have fled that country following attacks by Muslim extremists. Now that American troops have departed, the future of the Christian community there is even more uncertain.

Anthony Shadid on Christian-Muslim relations in the Middle East

Anchor Ray Suarez interviews New York Times correspondent Anthony Shadid, who offers his perspective on Muslim-Christian relations throughout the Middle East.

American Voices: Jon Meacham on religious reconciliation

On “American Voices,” essayist Jon Meacham comments on the path to reconciliation among Muslims, Jews and Christians.

Watch more full episodes of Need to Know.