Family Outing

I've written before on the significance of Najaf. It's the location of the Imam Ali Mosque, (the Meshed Ali/the Tomb of Ali.) as such it is venerated as a holy site by all Muslims but particularly by Shiites, most of whom believe that Imam Ali is buried there. It was bombed on August 29 2003 and determined measures are in place to prevent a repetition — the consequences are too horrific to contemplate. This photo taken today Tuesday May 30th 2006 illustrates one of them. At this time of year Iraqi children have school exams. They'd just about be over by now. This group of kids have finished theirs and as a treat are being taken to visit the Meshad to be followed by a picnic. To prevent car bomb attacks cars are forbidden in the neighbourhood — so other means of transport have to be found. markfromireland