Police initially blamed Shiite pilgrims trying to push past frustratingly slow security checkpoints near the Imam al-Hussein mosque.

NPR: Clashes in Karbala Force Pilgrims to Flee

Moreover, during his visit to the King Hussein Mosque in Amman on Saturday, Benedict indirectly reasserted his 2006 message.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Opportunity is knocking on Israel's door

Despite the militant symbolism of the setting, known in Mr Hussein's time as the Mother-of-All-Battles mosque, the meeting's message was pragmatic.

ECONOMIST: Iraq's Sunni Arabs