The violent extermination of the Mandaeans in Iraq--a gnostic sect that traces its origins back to John the Baptist--has been getting some coverage in the mainstream press.  Their situation is also difficult in Iran, where they are systematically being deprived of their livelihood:

One occupation long open to Mandaeans has been jewelry making. However, . . . the Iranian Jewelers’ Association, who exercises control over the issuance of official licenses, has decided in 2003 to issue new job licenses to Muslim jewelers only. Mandaean jewelers were not allowed to apply for new licenses, thus depriving young Mandaeans of one of the few occupations they were allowed to practice.