just like the middle easterns themselves Islam in middle east respects other religions such as Christianity

1) "Christian communities native to the Middle East are passing through turbulent times. In Egypt, where the Copts constitute the largest concentration of Christian Arabs anywhere in the region, the community finds itself caught in the crossfire between an authoritarian government and radical Islamist groups. The Copts, despite sharing strong sentiments of Egyptian nationalism with the Muslim majority, are often beset upon by both the authorities and the fanatics because they are perceived as a convenient scapegoat. In southern Sudan, though a peace agreement may be near, Christians were locked in a 20-year civil war with an Islamist government in Khartoum bent on imposing Sharia on them by force. Christians in growing numbers are daily fleeing the chaos in Iraq, where their churches have been bombed and their livelihoods threatened by Islamist militants leading the armed insurgency against U.S. and coalition forces. In the Holy Land, in places where ancient Christian communities reside, like Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth, the Christian presence has shrunk dramatically due mainly to emigration, as Christians see themselves being marginalized by a conflict increasingly defined in terms of Jews versus Muslims. And in Lebanon, following 15 years of war that resulted in open-ended Syrian domination, the Christians, who number close to 40 percent of the population, have seen their freedoms steadily erode, their numbers dwindle, and their political influence shrivel." "The future will remain bleak for Christian Arabs if their plight continues to be neglected by the rest of the world; if the so-called war on terror falters and fanaticism gains the upper hand against moderate forces in the Muslim world; if something remotely resembling democracy does not strike root in a pacified Iraq; and if the line of freedom's erosion is not held in Lebanon, where a homegrown exception to the freedom-starved regional norm managed to flourish in the face of overwhelming odds." Source and further information: http://www.hyscience.com/archives/2004/12/a_christian_in.php 2) "Many Americans ignore that Arab Christians exit. This is due to the following reasons: 1. Their education made them believe that the 7th Century Islamic expansion has put an end to Christian presence in the Middle East. Therefore, for them the Arabs and the Palestinians, in particular, are only Muslims and not also Christians 2. The curriculum of many American Theological Seminaries seems to make a jump from the Apostolic period to the division of the 12th century, between the Eastern and Western Christians or to the Reformation of the 16th Century. 3. The “Evangelicals” continue to try to keep the Middle East Christians unknown because they are not like them or “born again”. For example, a director of the 700 Club TV program refused once to show a 15 minutes video on the Middle East Christians, afraid that if the Americans realize that the Arab Christians exist they will discontinue to give money for mission in the region. 4. The American Media. Because of a lot of misleading in the Media about the Arabs, many Americans do not know the truth about the tradition and history of the Arab Christians and the possible constructive common living between them and the Arab Muslims." Source and further information: http://www.alhewar.org/gabriel_habib_What_About_Arab_Christians.htm 3) Further information: - "Christian Arabs threatened from all sides — Israel, Middle East, Arab and Islamic Worlds, too" http://www.mideastyouth.com/2008/05/07/christian-arabs-threatened-from-all-sides-israel-middle-east-arab-and-islamic-worlds-too/ - "Middle East Christians: Gaza pastor" http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4514822.stm

depends. some cultures are unfortunately hostile towards christianity - something that is NOT condoned by islam and it's wrong. some others leave them and let them live in peace. i know egypt lets them, turkey as well. iran is somewhat less forgiving though.

its not as bad as you'd think i lived in pakistan for 12 years, and my dad owned a business right? 90% of our employees were christians. They are all law abiding, honest citizens.. harmless, and well respected.