But the destruction of the Samarra Mosque's golden dome reminded us of an issue that has had archeologists and experts worried for years: The conflict that is killing people is also dealing a severe blow to Iraq's heritage.

CNN: Beirut: A city of contrasts

U.S. and British officials say that vacuum is fueling sectarian violence between Sunnis and Shiites, which has grown since the bombing in February of Al-Askariya Mosque, a revered Shiite shrine in Samarra.

CNN: Iraqi interim PM tells party he'd step down

The bloc's leader, Nassar Rubaie, said Tuesday that the government had addressed its concerns over the need to pursue the rebuilding of Al-Askariya Mosque, the bombed-out Shiite shrine in Samarra, and to improve security at the shrine and other holy places.

CNN: Gunmen in military uniforms kill 29 in Iraqi village