EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on leaving the office to report, film or take pictures in Tehran.

Iranian mourners attend the Shi'ite Tasoua, a day ahead of Ashura, in Imamzadeh Helal holy shrine in the city of Aran, Isfahan province December 5, 2011. Ashura, the most important day in the Shi'ite Muslim calendar, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century battle of Kerbala. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi (IRAN - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on leaving the office to report, film or take pictures in Tehran.

Boys take part in a religious festival during the Shi'ite Tasoua, a day ahead of Ashura, in Imamzadeh Helal holy shrine in the city of Aran, Isfahan province December 5, 2011. Ashura, the most important day in the Shi'ite Muslim calendar, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century battle of Kerbala. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi (IRAN - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on leaving the office to report, film or take pictures in Tehran.

Boys carry a religious symbol during the Shi'ite Tasoua, a day ahead of Ashura, in Imamzadeh Helal holy shrine in the city of Aran, Isfahan province December 5, 2011. Ashura, the most important day in the Shi'ite Muslim calendar, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century battle of Kerbala. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi (IRAN - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on leaving the office to report, film or take pictures in Tehran.

Iranian women take part in a religuous festival during the Shi'ite Tasoua, a day ahead of Ashura, in Imamzadeh Helal holy shrine in the city of Aran, Isfahan province December 5, 2011. Ashura, the most important day in the Shi'ite Muslim calendar, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century battle of Kerbala. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi (IRAN - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on leaving the office to report, film or take pictures in Tehran.

Iranian men take part in a religuous festival during the Shi'ite Tasoua, a day ahead of Ashura, in Imamzadeh Helal holy shrine in the city of Aran, Isfahan province December 5, 2011. Ashura, the most important day in the Shi'ite Muslim calendar, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century battle of Kerbala. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi (IRAN - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on leaving the office to report, film or take pictures in Tehran.

Actors take part in a re-enactment of the 7th century battle of Kerbala during the "Taziyeh" religious theatre performance on Tasoua, a day before Ashura, in Noushabad, Isfahan province December 5, 2011. Ashura, the most important day in the Shi'ite Muslim calendar, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century battle of Kerbala. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi (IRAN - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on leaving the office to report, film or take pictures in Tehran.

An actor takes part in a re-enactment of the 7th century battle of Kerbala during the "Taziyeh" religious theatre performance on Tasoua, a day before Ashura, in Noushabad, Isfahan province December 5, 2011. Ashura, the most important day in the Shi'ite Muslim calendar, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century battle of Kerbala. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi (IRAN - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on leaving the office to report, film or take pictures in Tehran.

An actor takes part in a re-enactment of the 7th century battle of Kerbala during the "Taziyeh" religious theatre performance on Tasoua, a day before Ashura, in Noushabad, Isfahan province December 5, 2011. Ashura, the most important day in the Shi'ite Muslim calendar, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century battle of Kerbala. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi (IRAN - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on leaving the office to report, film or take pictures in Tehran.

Actors take part in a re-enactment of the 7th century battle of Kerbala during the "Taziyeh" religious theatre performance on Tasoua, a day before Ashura, in Noushabad, Isfahan province December 5, 2011. Ashura, the most important day in the Shi'ite Muslim calendar, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century battle of Kerbala. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi (IRAN - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on leaving the office to report, film or take pictures in Tehran.

Actors take part in a re-enactment of the 7th century battle of Kerbala during the "Taziyeh" religious theatre performance on Tasoua, a day before Ashura, in Noushabad, Isfahan province December 5, 2011. Ashura, the most important day in the Shi'ite Muslim calendar, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century battle of Kerbala. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi (IRAN - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

A boy actor takes part in a re-enactment of the 7th century battle of Kerbala during the "Taziyeh" religious theatre performance on Tasoua, a day before Ashura, in Noushabad, Isfahan province December 5, 2011. Ashura, the most important day in the Shi'ite Muslim calendar, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century battle of Kerbala. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi (IRAN - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to film or take pictures in Tehran.

A man holds food for mourners during Tasoua, a day before Ashura, in Nava, a village about 100 km (62 miles) northeast of Tehran, December 15, 2010. Shi'ite Muslims all over the world mourn the slaying of Imam Hussein, grandson of Prophet Mohammad, during the first ten days of the Islamic month of Muharram. Imam Hussein was killed by his political rivals along with 72 companions in Iraq some 1,300 years ago. Picture taken December 15, 2010. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi (IRAN - Tags: RELIGION) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to film or take pictures in Tehran.

Women watch as men carry a religious symbol during Tasoua, a day before Ashura, in Nava, a village about 100 km (62 miles) northeast of Tehran, December 15, 2010. Shi'ite Muslims all over the world mourn the slaying of Imam Hussein, grandson of Prophet Mohammad, during the first ten days of the Islamic month of Muharram. Imam Hussein was killed by his political rivals along with 72 companions in Iraq some 1,300 years ago. Picture taken December 15, 2010. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi (IRAN - Tags: RELIGION) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to film or take pictures in Tehran.

Men carry a religious symbol during Tasoua, a day before Ashura, in Nava, a village about 100 km (62 miles) northeast of Tehran, December 15, 2010. Shi'ite Muslims all over the world mourn the slaying of Imam Hussein, grandson of Prophet Mohammad, during the first ten days of the Islamic month of Muharram. Imam Hussein was killed by his political rivals along with 72 companions in Iraq some 1,300 years ago. Picture taken December 15, 2010. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi (IRAN - Tags: RELIGION) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to film or take pictures in Tehran.

Men carry a religious symbol during Tasoua, a day before Ashura, in Nava, a village about 100 km (62 miles) northeast of Tehran, December 15, 2010. Shi'ite Muslims all over the world mourn the slaying of Imam Hussein, grandson of Prophet Mohammad, during the first ten days of the Islamic month of Muharram. Imam Hussein was killed by his political rivals along with 72 companions in Iraq some 1,300 years ago. Picture taken December 15, 2010. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi (IRAN - Tags: RELIGION) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to film or take pictures in Tehran.

Men carry a religious symbol during Tasoua, a day before Ashura, in Nava, a village about 100 km (62 miles) northeast of Tehran, December 15, 2010. Shi'ite Muslims all over the world mourn the slaying of Imam Hussein, grandson of Prophet Mohammad, during the first ten days of the Islamic month of Muharram. Imam Hussein was killed by his political rivals along with 72 companions in Iraq some 1,300 years ago. Picture taken December 15, 2010. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi (IRAN - Tags: RELIGION) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to film or take pictures in Tehran.

A man carries a religious symbol during Tasoua, a day before Ashura, in Nava, a village about 100 km (62 miles) northeast of Tehran, December 15, 2010. Shi'ite Muslims all over the world mourn the slaying of Imam Hussein, grandson of Prophet Mohammad, during the first ten days of the Islamic month of Muharram. Imam Hussein was killed by his political rivals along with 72 companions in Iraq some 1,300 years ago. Picture taken December 15, 2010. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi (IRAN - Tags: RELIGION IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to film or take pictures in Tehran.

Men carry a religious symbol during Tasoua, a day before Ashura, in Nava, a village about 100 km (62 miles) northeast of Tehran, December 15, 2010. Shi'ite Muslims all over the world mourn the slaying of Imam Hussein, grandson of Prophet Mohammad, during the first ten days of the Islamic month of Muharram. Imam Hussein was killed by his political rivals along with 72 companions in Iraq some 1,300 years ago. Picture taken December 15, 2010. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi (IRAN - Tags: RELIGION) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to film or take pictures in Tehran.

An elderly man hits his chest as he mourns and honours the martyrdom of Imam Hussein during Tasoua, a day ahead of Ashura, in Nava, a village 100 km (62 miles) northeast of Tehran, December 15, 2010. Ashura, the most important day in the Shi'ite calendar, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century battle of Kerbala. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi (IRAN - Tags: RELIGION) 

Shi'ite women walk past a religious flag hanging by a wall of a mosque during Tasoua, a day ahead of Ashura, in Yazd, about 700 km (435 miles) south of Tehran, December 26, 2009. Ashura, the most important day in the Shi'ite calendar, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century battle of Kerbala. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN - Tags: ANNIVERSARY RELIGION) 

A Shi'ite woman looks on as she takes part in a religious ceremony during Tasoua, a day ahead of Ashura, in Yazd, about 700 km (435 miles) south of Tehran, December 26, 2009. Ashura, the most important day in the Shi'ite calendar, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century battle of Kerbala. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN - Tags: ANNIVERSARY RELIGION) 

A Shi'ite woman takes part in a religious ceremony during Tasoua, a day ahead of Ashura, in Yazd, about 700 km (435 miles) south of Tehran, December 26, 2009. Ashura, the most important day in the Shi'ite calendar, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century battle of Kerbala. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN - Tags: ANNIVERSARY RELIGION) 

A Shi'ite woman hands nuts to her son at a mosque as they take part in a religious ceremony during Tasoua, a day ahead of Ashura, in Yazd, about 700 km (435 miles) south of Tehran, December 26, 2009. Ashura, the most important day in the Shi'ite calendar, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century battle of Kerbala. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN - Tags: ANNIVERSARY RELIGION) 

A Shi'ite woman sits at a mosque as she takes part in a religious ceremony during Tasoua, a day ahead of Ashura, in Yazd, about 700 km (435 miles) south of Tehran, December 26, 2009. Ashura, the most important day in the Shi'ite calendar, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century battle of Kerbala. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN - Tags: ANNIVERSARY RELIGION) 

Shi'ite devotees beat themselves during Tasoua, a day ahead of Ashura, in Yazd, about 700 km (435 miles) south of Tehran, December 26, 2009. Ashura, the most important day in the Shi'ite calendar, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century battle of Kerbala. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN - Tags: ANNIVERSARY RELIGION IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

Shi'ite women take part in a religious ceremony during Tasoua, a day ahead of Ashura, in Yazd, about 700 km (435 miles) south of Tehran, December 26, 2009. Ashura, the most important day in the Shi'ite calendar, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century battle of Kerbala. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN - Tags: ANNIVERSARY RELIGION) 

Shi'ite devotees beat themselves during Tasoua, a day ahead of Ashura, in Yazd, about 700 km (435 miles) south of Tehran, December 26, 2009. Ashura, the most important day in the Shi'ite calendar, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century battle of Kerbala. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN - Tags: ANNIVERSARY RELIGION) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to film or take pictures in Tehran.

An actor re-enacts a scene from the 7th century battle of Kerbala during Tasoua, a day before the Shi'ite religious festival of Ashura, in Tehran December 26, 2009. Ashura, the most important day in the Shi'ite calendar, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century battle of Kerbala. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi (IRAN - Tags: RELIGION) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to film or take pictures in Tehran.

An actor re-enacts a scene from the 7th century battle of Kerbala during Tasoua, a day before the Shi'ite religious festival of Ashura, in Tehran December 26, 2009. Ashura, the most important day in the Shi'ite calendar, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century battle of Kerbala. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi (IRAN - Tags: RELIGION) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to film or take pictures in Tehran.

Women watch as an actor re-enacts a scene from the 7th century battle of Kerbala during Tasoua, a day before the Shi'ite religious festival of Ashura, in Tehran December 26, 2009. Ashura, the most important day in the Shi'ite calendar, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century battle of Kerbala. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi (IRAN - Tags: RELIGION) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to film or take pictures in Tehran.

Actors re-enact the 7th century battle of Kerbala during the "Taziyeh" religious theatre performance on Tasoua, a day before Ashura, in Yazd, about 700 km (435 miles) south of Tehran, December 26, 2009. Ashura, the most important day in the Shi'ite calendar, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century battle of Kerbala. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN - Tags: RELIGION) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to film or take pictures in Tehran.

Actors re-enact the 7th century battle of Kerbala during the "Taziyeh" religious theatre performance on Tasoua, a day before Ashura, in Yazd, about 700 km (435 miles) south of Tehran, December 26, 2009. Ashura, the most important day in the Shi'ite calendar, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century battle of Kerbala. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN - Tags: RELIGION) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to film or take pictures in Tehran.

Actors re-enact the 7th century battle of Kerbala during the "Taziyeh" religious theatre performance on Tasoua, a day before Ashura, in Yazd, about 700 km (435 miles) south of Tehran, December 26, 2009. Ashura, the most important day in the Shi'ite calendar, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century battle of Kerbala. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN - Tags: RELIGION) 

EDITORS' NOTE: Reuters and other foreign media are subject to Iranian restrictions on their ability to film or take pictures in Tehran.

Shi'ite devotees perform self-flagellation using chains during Tasoua, a day ahead of Ashura, in Yazd, about 700 km (435 miles) south of Tehran, December 26, 2009. Ashura, the most important day in the Shi'ite calendar, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad, in the 7th century battle of Kerbala. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN - Tags: RELIGION) 

An Iranian woman wearing black veil as a symbol of the Imam Hussein family takes part the Shi'ite Tasoua religious festival in Khorramabad, 491 km (307 miles) southwest of Tehran, January 6, 2009. Muslims all over the world mourn the slaying of Imam Hussein, a grandson of Prophet Mohammed during the first ten days of the Islamic month of Moharram. Imam Hussein was killed by his political rivals along with 72 companions in Iraq some 1,300 years ago. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN) 

Two Iranian women hide their faces with black veils and scarves as a symbol of the Imam Hussein family as they walk along a street during the Shi'ite Tasoua religious festival in Khorramabad, 491 km (307 miles) southwest of Tehran, January 6, 2009. Muslims all over the world mourn the slaying of Imam Hussein, a grandson of Prophet Mohammed during the first ten days of the Islamic month of Moharram. Imam Hussein was killed by his political rivals along with 72 companions in Iraq some 1,300 years ago. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN) 

An Iranian woman wearing a black veil as a symbol of Imam Hussein's family, attends the Shi'ite Tasoua religious festival in Khorramabad, 491 km (307 miles) southwest of Tehran, January 6, 2009. Muslims all over the world mourn the slaying of Imam Hussein, a grandson of Prophet Mohammed, during the first ten days of the Islamic month of Moharram. Imam Hussein was killed by his political rivals along with 72 companions in Iraq some 1,300 years ago. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN) 

An Iranian woman wearing black veil as a symbol of the Imam Hussein family, visits a holy tomb during the Shi'ite Tasoua religious festival in Khorramabad, 491km (307 miles) southwest of Tehran, January 6, 2009. Muslims all over the world mourn the slaying of Imam Hussein, a grandson of Prophet Mohammed during the first ten days of the Islamic month of Moharram. Imam Hussein was killed by his political rivals along with 72 companions in Iraq some 1,300 years ago. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN) 

Women wearing black veils as a symbol of the Imam Hussein family talk to each other while attending the Shi'ite Tasoua religious festival in Khorramabad, 491 km (307 miles) southwest of Tehran, January 6, 2009. Muslims all over the world mourn the slaying of Imam Hussein, a grandson of Prophet Mohammed during the first ten days of the Islamic month of Moharram. Imam Hussein was killed by his political rivals along with 72 companions in Iraq some 1,300 years ago. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN) 

Two women wearing black veils as a symbol of the Imam Hussein family, walk past a religious painting as they take part in the Shi'ite Tasoua religious festival in Khorramabad, 491 km (307 miles) southwest of Tehran, January 6, 2009. Muslims all over the world mourn the slaying of Imam Hussein, a grandson of Prophet Mohammed during the first ten days of the Islamic month of Moharram. Imam Hussein was killed by his political rivals along with 72 companions in Iraq some 1,300 years ago. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN) 

Women wearing black veils as symbol of the Imam Hussein family walk along a street as they attend the Shi'ite Tasoua religious festival in Khorramabad, 491 km (307 miles) southwest of Tehran, January 6, 2009. Muslims all over the world mourn the slaying of Imam Hussein, a grandson of Prophet Mohammed during the first ten days of the Islamic month of Moharram. Imam Hussein was killed by his political rivals along with 72 companions in Iraq some 1,300 years ago. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN) 

An Iranian woman stands behind a religious symbol during the Shi'ite Tasoua religious festival in Khorramabad, 491 km (307 miles) southwest of Tehran, January 6, 2009. Muslims all over the world mourn the slaying of Imam Hussein, a grandson of Prophet Mohammed during the first ten days of the Islamic month of Moharram. Imam Hussein was killed by his political rivals along with 72 companions in Iraq some 1,300 years ago. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN) 

A woman prays at a holy tomb during the Shi'ite Tasoua religious festival in Khorramabad, 491 km (307 miles) southwest of Tehran, January 6, 2009. Muslims all over the world mourn the slaying of Imam Hussein, a grandson of Prophet Mohammed during the first ten days of the Islamic month of Moharram. Imam Hussein was killed by his political rivals along with 72 companions in Iraq some 1,300 years ago. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN) 

An Iranian woman wearing a black veil as a symbol of the Imam Hussein family, stands in front of an Arabic scrip reading "Imam Hussein" during the Shi'ite Tasoua religious festival in Khorramabad, 491 km (307 miles) southwest of Tehran, January 6, 2009. Muslims all over the world mourn the slaying of Imam Hussein, a grandson of Prophet Mohammed during the first ten days of the Islamic month of Moharram. Imam Hussein was killed by his political rivals along with 72 companions in Iraq some 1,300 years ago. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN) 

Two women light candles near a holy tomb during the Shi'ite Tasoua religious festival in Khorramabad, 491 km (307 miles) southwest of Tehran, January 6, 2009. Muslims all over the world mourn the slaying of Imam Hussein, a grandson of Prophet Mohammed during the first ten days of the Islamic month of Moharram. Imam Hussein was killed by his political rivals along with 72 companions in Iraq some 1,300 years ago. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN) 

An Iranian woman wearing a black veil as symbol of Imam Hussein family looks on as she takes part in the Shi'ite Tasoua religious festival in Khorramabad, 491 km (307 miles) south west of Tehran, January 6, 2009. Muslims all over the world mourn the slaying of Imam Hussein, a grandson of Prophet Mohammed during the first ten days of the Islamic month of Moharram. Imam Hussein was killed by his political rivals along with 72 companions in Iraq some 1,300 years ago. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN) 

A man holds a symbolic religious head band as he stands next to the blood of a sheep that was killed during the Shi'ite Tasoua religious festival in the city of Isfahan, 495 km (309 miles) south of Tehran, January 18, 2008. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN) 

An Iranian woman stands in front of a symbolic religious flag as she attends a Shi'ite Tasoua religious festival in the city of Isfahan, 495 km (309 miles) south of Tehran, January 18, 2008. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN) 

A girl wearing a symbolic religious head band and dress is carried by her father during the Shi'ite Tasoua religious festival in the city of Isfahan, 495 km (309 miles) south of Tehran, January 18, 2008. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN) 

People beat themselves with chains during the Shi'ite Tasoua religious festival in the city of Isfahan, 495 km (309 miles) south of Tehran, January 18, 2008. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN) 

People shout religious slogans and beat themselves with chains during the Shi'ite Tasoua religious festival in the city of Isfahan, 495 km (309 miles) south of Tehran, January 18, 2008. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN) 

People beat themselves during the Shi'ite Tasoua religious festival in the city of Isfahan, 495 km (309 miles) south of Tehran, January 18, 2008. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN) 

A man holds up his hand in front of a symbolic religious flag as he prays during the Shi'ite Tasoua religious festival in the city of Isfahan, 495 km (309 miles) south of Tehran, January 18, 2008. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN) 

A girl attends a Shi'ite Tasoua religious festival as she is carried by her father in front of a flag in the city of Isfahan, 495 km (309 miles) south of Tehran, January 18, 2008. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN) 

An Iranian man carries religious banners during the Shi'ite Tasoua religious festival in Tehran January 29, 2007. Shi'ite Muslims mark Tasoua, a day before the day when Imam al-Hussein, the 'leader of the martyrs' and grandson of Prophet Mohammed, was killed in Kerbala in 680 AD. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN) 

An Iranian woman attends the Shi'ite Tasoua religious festival in Tehran January 29, 2007. Shi'ite Muslims mark Tasoua, a day before the day when Imam al-Hussein, the 'leader of the martyrs' and grandson of Prophet Mohammed, was killed in Kerbala in 680 AD. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN) 

An Iranian man sets up a religious symbol for the Shi'ite Tasoua religious festival in Tehran January 29, 2007. Shi'ite Muslims mark Tasoua, a day before the day when Imam al-Hussein, the 'leader of the martyrs' and grandson of Prophet Mohammed, was killed in Kerbala in 680 AD.REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN) 

An Iranian woman is seen through religious symbols as she attend the Shi'ite Tasoua religious festival in Tehran January 29, 2007. Shi'ite Muslims mark Tasoua, a day before the day when Imam al-Hussein, the 'leader of the martyrs' and grandson of Prophet Mohammed, was killed in Kerbala in 680 AD. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN) 

An Iranian man stands under a painting of Imam Hussein while attending the Shi'ite Tasoua religious festival in Tehran January 29, 2007. Shi'ite Muslims mark Tasoua, a day before the day when Imam al-Hussein, the 'leader of the martyrs' and grandson of Prophet Mohammed, was killed in Kerbala in 680 AD. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN) 

An Iranian man stands under a painting of Imam Hussein while attending the Shi'ite Tasoua religious festival in Tehran January 29, 2007. Shi'ite Muslims mark Tasoua, a day before the day when Imam al-Hussein, the 'leader of the martyrs' and grandson of Prophet Mohammed, was killed in Kerbala in 680 AD. REUTERS/Morteza Nikoubazl (IRAN)