Month after month, I watch as enthusiastic Shiites carry out the rites of pilgrimage in a newfound freedom. Hundreds of thousands flock to the holy shrines – in Baghdad, Karbala, Najaf, and other cities – to show their devotion to the revered Imams. And as I watch, proud that my countrymen can freely practice their rites as they could not under Saddam, an apprehension grows in my heart that in spite of the security measures – in spite of the many roadblocks, endless checkpoints, thousands of extra security forces deployed to prevent a catastrophe – That a catastrophe may indeed one day occur and that sectarian violence would return to Iraq.

So far, although the pilgrims have been targeted again and again, it has always been small arms fire or small roadside bombs that although regretfully killed and injured some pilgrims, have not been destructive to the degree that would cause public outrage and retaliation.

Today six pilgrims were killed and 24 were injured in three explosions in Baghdad aimed at pilgrims returning from Karbala.

I offer a prayer to the almighty to spare their lives – and to spare this fatigued country more woes.