Maxim Edwards is Commissioning Editor at openDemocracy Russia. He writes on nationalism and interethnic and interreligious relations, with a particular focus on post-Soviet countries. His work has appeared on Al Jazeera and in Souciant, R&K and the Forward among other publications. On Twitter: @MaximEdwards
![An Iraqi Christian Assyrian girl joins in New Year (Aketo) celebrations on April 01, 2011, in the northern Iraqi city of Dohuk, 500 kilometers north of the capital Baghdad. Descendants of Iraq's ancient Assyrians are enjoying the start of parties and parades to celebrate their New Year, a pagan rite that glorifies resurrection and life and dates back millennia. AFP PHOTO/SAFIN HAMED (Photo credit should read SAFIN HAMED/AFP/Getty Images)](/sites/default/files/styles/article_header/public/almpics/2014/10/119865538.jpg/119865538.jpg?h=f7822858&itok=fk_VmLz4)
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Maxim Edwards