For Iranians, a predominantly Shiite Moslem population, the 40th day marks the last official day of mourning in the immediate aftermath of a death.

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The talks were the latest reflection of the influence Iran wields in Iraq, where about 60 percent of the population is Shiite.

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Bremer said the interim administration would represent Iraq's diverse population, including Sunni and Shiite Muslims, Kurds, Turkmen and members of the small Christian population.

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The problem in Iraq is that 60% of the population consists of Shiite Muslims.

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The Muslim population is largely Shiite with a Sunni minority.

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That had the effect of taking Shiite militias that had mostly been fighting passively on the war defending their own population centers and bringing them into the war en masse and on the offensive in ways that al-Qaeda hoped would create enough chaos in Iraq to force the Americans out.

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Sunnis make up about 20% of Iraq's estimated population of more than 27 million, whereas about 60% to 65% are Shiite.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS