EFL- evidently there was a Shia pilgrimage this year. Must have been only internal pilgrims and the Shia must have been tuckered out from the Tater-fest as there was no violence - at least at Camp Justice.
The beating of drums and the lyrics of Muslim prayers could be heard well within the confines of 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment's patrol base, Camp Justice. The footsteps of tens of thousands of Shiite Muslim pilgrims could be heard as they marched to the Kadhamiyah Holy Shrine just outside the secluded military post on Sept. 11... The Multinational troops came prepared to the largest Shia pilgrimage to Kadhamiyah of the year, but were pleasantly surprised that there was no violence during the march. "The Iraqi people got what they wanted from us; we helped keep the peace." Ryu said. "We minimized our presence in the event to put the Iraqi face on this, and for the most part, I think we succeeded." |