Better security lets Sunnis join in Shiite ceremony

Baghdad: In Baghdad, the improved security has led some Sunnis to once again openly participate in the mostly Shiite commemoration of Arbaeen - the end of 40 days of mourning for the death of Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

Hanan Falah Abdul Qader, a retired accountant, this year is again openly cooking for her neighbours in Al Adel.

"For the past two years I cooked clandestinely and carried the dishes under my abaya to distribute to neighbours I trusted," she said.

She said her son was kidnapped and tortured in 2006 after he defended Shiite neighbours who had been ordered to leave their homes. "This year I cooked a lot of food in my garage and distributed it to all the neighbours," Hanan Falah said.

She noted that her actions also reflect a Sunni reverence for the Prophet's grandson.

South of Baghdad, at the highway interchange near Mahmudiyah, Army officer Ali Qasim Abbas stands watch as thousands of pilgrims stream past barbed-wire barricades, some being pushed in wheelchairs or carrying babies in their arms.

"If we decided to separate the Sunni from Shiite we would have to divide the bedrooms," said Abbas, referring to the countless intermarriages.

The Iraqi government launched a massive security effort for this year's ceremony.