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The Day of Ashura
Lebanese Shia Muslims cut their heads with swords in the southern town of Nabatiyeh. Hezbollah's aim to make party membership synonymous with the Shia faith has turned the festival of Ashura into a political event. In 2009 more than ever, the occasion has been used to stir up anti-Israeli and anti-American feeling.
Afghan Shia Muslims beat themselves with chains and blades during Ashura celebrations at a mosque in Kabul. In less radical celebrations, mourners fast for a day and beat their chests in honour of Imam Hossein who died in the 680AD battle of Karbala - a key moment in the Sunni-Shia schism – which took place in modern day Iraq.