Washington, DC - Senators Jack Reed (RI) and Hillary Clinton (NY), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee who traveled to Iraq in November, today sent a letter to President Bush requesting an explanation of what plans the United States and coalition forces in Iraq have made to ensure the annual Hajj pilgrimage does not cause a security risk to either individuals or coalition soldiers.

The Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, begins this year at the end of January and typically involves millions of participants from all over the globe traveling to western Saudi Arabia. Last year, over two million people participated in the week-long event.

The letter states, "During our recent trip, one of the concerns cited by military commanders was the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage. They have indicated that there will be thousands of individuals crossing borders all over the region. We fear this may provide a dangerous opportunity for illicit border crossings and possible terrorist activities."

Iraqi officials announced last month that Saudi Arabia will raise the number of pilgrims from Iraq performing the Hajj by 5,000 to 30,000. Iraq, with a population of about 25 million, was allowed only 25,000 pilgrims in the past because of political problems related to Saddam Hussein's regime.

The Hajj to Mecca, home to Islam's holiest shrine, is required of every able-bodied Muslim at least once in a lifetime.

The text of the letter follows:

January 9, 2004

The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

We write to you out of a concern which was raised during our recent trip to the Iraq-Afghanistan region.

As you may know, at this time of year, many Muslims prepare for Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. This journey, which is one of the pillars of Islam, typically involves millions of participants from all over the globe traveling to western Saudi Arabia. Last year, over two million people participated in the week-long event, beginning this year at the end of January.

During our recent trip, one of the concerns cited by military commanders was the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage. They have indicated that there will be thousands of individuals crossing borders all over the region. We fear this may provide a dangerous opportunity for illicit border crossings and possible terrorist activities.

With these concerns in mind, we would like to ask what plans the United States and the coalition have made to ensure the Hajj pilgrimage does not cause a security risk to either individuals or coalition soldiers. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Jack Reed Hillary United States Senator

Rodham Clinton United States Senator

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