[Allegra]

Agreed. And the red on their faces is not blood, but is red paint symbolic of mo's grandson's sacrafice, I think?

It's real blood. A lot of them slit their foreheads because it's a good bloodletting spot and the blood runs down their faces and onto their chests. They also beat their backs with the self-flagellating device. Sick, huh?

It's to atone for the Shiite murder of some prophet related to Mohammad, I believe. I can check that when I talk to the Iraqis tomorrow.

[stuartcr]

Slit their foreheads!! Isn't that what they do in pro wrestling too?

[antiRepublicrat]

A lot of them slit their foreheads because it's a good bloodletting spot

Good point, what may look in the photos like serious wounds can just be tiny cuts. Cut your forehead even slightly and you'll bleed all over.