The Peaceful Return of Pilgrims after Arbaeen Contrasts with Lingering Worries of Political Strife

International International News

Posted by AI on 2025-08-14 18:36:21 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-06-25 06:19:48

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Amid hope, theres a lingering fear, whispered in homes and cafes: will Iraq once again become a battleground for someone elses war?

For the past few weeks, Iraqi Kurds, Shiites, and Sunnis have been trekking to Karbala, weeping as they make their way to the city's golden shrines. It's one of the world's largest religious gatherings, Arba'een, the annual pilgrimage to the tomb of Hussein, a grandson of the prophet Muhammad, that climaxed on Friday. This year, an estimated 2 million people attended.

But on the sidelines of this massive spiritual gathering, there's a looming anxiety that's just as powerful as the hope. In the wake of the pilgrimage, Iraqis are wondering whether the country will once again become a battleground for someone else's war.

There is a fear that the Iraqi government and its allies, including the US, will fail to protect the country's sovereignty and will become a proxy battle ground for other state's conflicts, namely the brewing cold war between the US and Iran.

Despite this uncertainty, there is still a resounding hope that Iraq can move towards a brighter future. The country has been ravaged by war and instability for decades, but with the recent victories against the Islamic State group and a new government forming earlier this year, there is a feeling that Iraq may finally be turning a corner.

The focus now remains on whether the new government can maintain the country's sovereignty and independence in the face of external pressures, and whether it can continue to unite its diverse populations against the common threat of terrorism.

With Arba'en commemorating the tragedy of Hussein, who was killed in a siege in Karbala in A.D. 680, a lasting sentiment is one of sadness for the lives lost, but also a feeling of resilience, camaraderie, and hope that Iraq will continue to strive for a better future.

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