Muharram, a new start and security threat

Muharram is around the corner and Muslims are gearing up to celebrate the start of the Islamic New Year. On the western calendar the new Islamic year starts on 4 November. The period is important for Muslims, particularly those linked to the Shiite sect. The tenth day of Muharram is the day Shiites believe Imam Hussayn, the grandson of the Prophet, was struck and killed in Karbala, Iraq. Large religious processions accompany the day in Iraq and other countries with large Shiite populations, including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Yemen, Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan. These events have been characterised by disturbances in the past. Many Sunni Muslims consider Shiites heretics and militant groups and extremists have carried out attacks against Shiite interests during Ashura in the past. Further incidents are anticipated this year.