1.   Saudi-Iranian relations were later to deteriorate following the disturbances caused by Iranian pilgrims at Mecca.

2.   In recent months, Iranian pilgrims have begun to travel as tourists to Iraq to visit Najaf and Karbala, two of the holiest shrines in Shiite Islam.

3.   Many Iranian pilgrims visit Shiite sites in Syria and Iraq.

4.   A fire was reported the same day in an camp for Iranian pilgrims near Mecca, but there were no casualties.

5.   As always, the Saudis are keeping a close eye on Iranian pilgrims, who insist on holding rallies during the hajj to denounce Israel and the United States.

6.   Defying Saudis, Iranian pilgrims hold anti-American rally in Mecca.

7.   Earlier this month, Iraq notified Iran that it would lift its travel ban against Iranian pilgrims imposed since the start of the war.

8.   Every year, urged on by their leaders, Iranian pilgrims have defied a Saudi ban on demonstrations to hold a small rally in their living quarters in Mecca.

9.   For Iranian pilgrims this three-hour flight has a special advantage.

10.   Hundreds of Iranian pilgrims have also traveled to Iraq via Syria.