Arbaeen pilgrims on foot in the mud

So far, there has been little sign of the intra-Shiite political tensions that have prevented Iraq forming a new government since elections nearly a year ago. "It's as if I've arrived in paradise," said Najme, a 37-year-old primary school teacher, wrapped in a black chador and her feet clad in sneakers. Along with her husband and parents, she is among more than three million Iranians attending the pilgrimage in Karbala, a new record, according to the Iranian government spokesman.