Iraq’s Shiites Pause for ‘Erbain’

More than one million people are expected to attend the celebrations. The militia forces of radical Shiite leader Mukteda Al Sadr and another armed organization called Badr Brigades will provide security in the streets of Karbala.

Bombs that exploded among hundred and thousands of people during the Karbala ceremonies in Baghdad and Karbala on March 2 caused the deaths of at least 181 people. After the attacks, the Shiites blamed the U.S. for not taking enough security measures prior to the celebrations. It is a striking fact that the Iraqi Police, which were charged by the U.S. to provide security during the Erbain celebrations, are not on the scene in Karbala due to the latest conflicts. Sadr’s militia forces control the entrances and exits of the city. The militia forces struggled with Polish soldiers on the outskirts of the city last night. However, Sadr’s representative in Kerbela, Hudeyir Ensari, announced that they would not attack coalition forces due to the anniversary. "We decided to suspend the military activities until Sunday night," Ensari said.