The Sunni minority have been in control for decades under Saddam, courtesy of his military rule. They have held power over the Shiite Arabs, Persians, Kurds, Turkmen and other minority groups, a racial and religious minority in control, just as happened in Rwanda. Saddam Hussein's government was a secular government and he was a Muslim leader by convenience. He openly modelled himself on Stalin and was committed to achieving control of the nation by using whatever methods he could to subjugate all the different ethnic and religious tribal groups in Iraq.

By removing the tyrant, and holding elections, the Shias had more expectations of power as they are the more numerous group. But the Sunnis weren't ready to give it up - and no one there has ever experienced democracy. Destroying the mosque was a symbol of the battle for control.