Fifty people were killed this week end when fighting erupted between armed deacons from St. Luke’s Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church during a sunrise service. Witnesses say the Methodists charged the Presbyterians during the closing prayer and opened fire, killing dozens. The Presbyterians took positions behind the Lord’s Supper table and returned fire, killing many of the attackers.

This was the latest in a series of skirmishes between members of the two churches. Experts at local news outlets predict that continued fighting will destabilize the city. Callers from downtown said they could hear the rattle of automatic weapon fire, with the occasional explosion. In addition to the deaths, many were injured in the cross fire and the ensuing panic, as women and children ran from the scene.

No, not really.

I just thought it would provide some context.

But, in Iraq, stability is threatened by continued fighting between two Shiite militias, one supporting Muqtada al-Sadr and the Badr Brigade. Think of it as Sadr vs. Badr. This is not Arab vs. Foreigner, Muslim vs. Infidel (that would be you), or even Sunni vs. Shiite. No, it is now Shiite vs. Shiite, willing to kill each other during a religious festival they both celebrate.