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Iraq's Shia Muslims Converge on Karbala

Huge crowds of Iraqi Shiite Muslims converge in Karbala, Iraq. They are making a pilgrimage for one of Shiite Islam's holiest celebrations -- one banned for decades by Saddam Hussein. Some Shiite leaders hope pilgrims will demonstrate against the United States. NPR's Steve Inskeep reports, and NPR's Melissa Block talks to Mahmoud M. Ayoub, professor of Islamic studies and comparative religion at Temple University.

Copyright 2003 NPR

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Melissa Block
Melissa Block is a special correspondent and guest host of NPR's news programs.
Steve Inskeep
Steve Inskeep is a host of NPR's Morning Edition and Up First.
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