1.   Even in Tabriz, the Shiite branch of Islam, since the revolution the dominant force in Iranian life, remains a generally gloomy religion.

2.   In Iran, home of the Shiite branch, which has an influential minority in Kuwait, women can vote and hold office.

3.   In the Shiite branch of Islam prevalent in Iran, learned scholars write lengthy tomes about customs and practices that the faithful turn to for advice.

4.   The Hazaras, who largely adhere to the Shiite branch of Islam, had been the special targets of the Taliban, who are Sunnis.

5.   The region is home to the Hazaras, people set apart by their Asiatic features and adherence to the Shiite branch of Islam.

6.   U.S. officials said this alliance was notable because it marked the first time radicals from the minority Shiite branch of Islam collaborated with extremists from the dominant Sunni branch.

7.   U.S. officials said this alliance was the first time radicals from the minority Shiite branch of Islam collaborated with extremists from the dominant Sunni branch.

8.   Azerbaijan, the only other country besides Iran with a majority of followers from the Shiite branch of Islam, practices a secular breed of the religion.

9.   Azerbaijan, the only other country besides Iran with a majority of followers from the Shiite branch of Islam, practices a moderate breed of the religion.

10.   Fadallah, the Grand Ayatollah in the Shiite branch of Islam, had earlier denounced the terrorist attacks.