Paramilitary troops, police and intelligence agents were fanned out on Thursday to protect Muharram processions. Authorities cut mobile phone services in major cities on the eve of Ashura, an annual commemoration mourning the 7th century martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad (PHUH) grandson Iman Hussain (AS) and his companions. Moreover, pillion riding has been banned in major cities across the country to prevent drive-by shootings. In neighbouring Afghanistan, faithful stationed heavily armed guards at their mosques on Thursday. Police also were on hand. Basir Mujahid, a spokesman for Kabul’s police chief, said large vehicles, including trucks and SUVs, were banned from streets where mosques are located to prevent car bombs. For Iranians, this Ashura comes as the United States is re-imposing sanctions on Iran previously lifted by its nuclear deal with world powers, despite Tehran’s compliance with the accord. While Iran’s national currency, the rial, plummets, Ashura provides a moment to fuel mourners’ defiance with its message of sacrifice and dignity in the face of coercion. In the Iraqi city of Karbala, hundreds of thousands of mourners gathered around the shrine of Imam Hussain (AS) to commemorate the great sacrifice. Published in Daily Times, September 21st 2018.