Pilgrim,

Why should we be most concerned about countries where the persecution of Christians is most common?

1. If we are Christians, they are our brothers and sisters in Christ.

2. Christians are often the first, or among the first, citizens to be persecuted in a country, thus providing a very good gauge from which to determine which countries most often abuse the human rights of their citizens.

3. Galatians 6:10 - "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." - Yes, it does say, "especially unto them who are of the household of faith," and I am in full agreement. Call me a Pharisee if you will. I agree with God's Word wholeheartedly. The modern temptation within churches is to cut off the last part of the verse so that it simply reads, "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men."

(for those who are interested in learning more about the persecuted church around the world, check out:
http://www.persecution.com/)

Also, I believe a large percentage of the people being killed in Africa are Christians, being killed by the Moslems.

In regards to your 'houses on a street' illustration, I don't see how that in way justifies going into Iraq, but I suppose some people could use it as justification for entering other countries which provide much greater risk to their own citizens and people throughout the world.