Click for larger view One of the holiest Shi'a shrines in Iraq was bombed and badly damaged, as the before and after picture above shows. In retaliation, at least 27 Sunni mosques have been attacked and at least six killed. Additionally, 11 Sunni prisoners were kidnapped and executed and there is open violence and rioting. Later: The death total ended up as 1,300, with 100 Sunni mosques attacked. In most of the cases, it appears that death squads were the culprits. Dervish writes:
To blow it up is a blasphemy of the highest order. I urge those of us in the Sunni community to immediately offer condolences and support to our Shia brethren, and while reconstruction may be impossible immediately, I further urge that we offer our support to reconstruction efforts. In the interest of peace, it's vital that our fellow Muslims in the Shia community understand that we appreciate the magnitude of this loss, and that we want to help set it aright to the greatest extent possible. Astaghfirullah, May God forgive us. Amin.Amin. I fear that things will only get worse. A terrible day for Iraq and for us all. Later: Muslims are speaking up for peace and unity. Mosques to hold unity events this weekend. Muslims to Call for Unity After Shrine Attack. Muslim march to protest shrine bombing. Seattle Muslim groups unite to pray for peace. A Call to Conscience and a Reminder to the Muslims. Mosque Outrage Also Brings Solidarity. Long Island Islamic leaders call for unity. Forum at mosque will echo plea for Muslim unity. UT Muslims' tonight vigil to promote unity. Some interesting perspectives on what is really happening in Iraq from Sami Ramadan, Dahr Jamail, and Blood & Treasure. IPS news service has a similar report. From these reports, many ordinary Iraqis, both Sunni and Shi'a, are coming together for unity, but certain extremist elements, including Shi'a militias associated with the government, are stirring up the violence. I pray for the people of Iraq.