Iran Pushing Large Pilgrimage To Iraq To Show Influence

While the ambassador – and Iranian authorities in general – tried to avoid criticizing Iraqi authorities’ management of the proceedings inside Iraq, pilgrims, including an overwhelming number of Iranians, were less reserved. They complained about the alarming scarcity of drinking water, lack of makeshift tents for sleeping, paucity of reliable transportation options, insufficient hygiene, and even the unavailability of washrooms along the route. There were also reports of them facing mistreatment by Iraqi authorities.