Iran Pushing Large Pilgrimage To Iraq To Show Influence

The Arbaeen pilgrimage is a nearly 50-mile walk from the city of Najaf in central Iraq to Karbala, where the mausoleum of Imam Hussein is located. Many Iranians traveled by vehicle to get to the border and started their march in Iraqi territory. Many others, wishing a more relaxed expedition, boarded flights from Tehran to Najaf and then embarked on the parade to participate in the mourning ceremonies at the shrine.