Though the anti-corruption demonstrations that began Oct. 1 in Iraq seem to have quieted recently, government authorities worry protesters plan to take advantage of a religious observance this week to press for their demands.
Arbaeen, a Shiite Islam pilgrimage that commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, will be held Oct. 19. It typically draws millions of people to Karbala, where he is buried.