By Andrew L. Jaffee

The destruction of Iraq’s golden dome of the al-Askari shrine in Samarra was just plain disgusting, but not a surprise. This act of ultra-violence was most certainly perpetrated by Sunni terrorists — probably al-Qaeda. And blowing up the Shrine has increased sectarian tensions, just as was intended by the terrorists.

The question is, will Iraq’s Shiites restrain themselves as they have largely done to date? Will they see this as the purely cynical act that it was? Will this be a turning point to galvanize civilized Iraqis to finally destroy the terrorists? Or will the bombing of this Shiite shrine end all hopes for democratic reconciliation?

I’ve tried to remain positive since Iraq’s liberation, but it has not been easy. Sometimes I feel that many Iraqis are just standing on the sidelines, waiting for “someone” to make the big decisions. Are they waiting for a new dictator, or can they finish the hopeful job they started by participating in the democratic process, and defying al-Qaeda threats?

Remember that upwards of 80% of Sunni voters turned out in December, which is a sign not to be belittled.

Keeping my fingers crossed…