IRAQI FEAR OF IRANIAN INFLUENCE

Times Online article. "In recent years Najaf regained its pre-Saddam position as a religious capital, a cross between Jerusalem and the Vatican for all Shia Muslims. Last year, the city attracted 1.5 million Iranian pilgrims, a figure that is expected to double with the opening of direct air links. Aircraft will connect Najaf to five cities in Iran twice a day, the first such link since the Iranian Revolution in 1979." Najaf officials believe as many as 5 million Iranian pilgrims visit each year. Concern is the majority are controlled by monopoly with ties to the Iranian national government.