The pilgrims circle the Kaaba, considered by Muslims the house of God, inside the Grand mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia (file photo)Thousands of American Muslims Travel to Saudi for Hajj -- Voice of America
One of a Muslim's duties, according to the five pillars of Islam, is to make a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca at least once during his or her lifetime. An estimated three million Muslims have traveled to Mecca to perform the Hajj.
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MIDDLE EAST
Two million Muslims prepare to stone devil at haj.
Palestinians reject Israeli settlement offer.
Palestinians urge US to raise pressure on Israel.
At least 10 killed in Iraq violence. In Iraq, 2 attacks raise fears of sectarianism.
IAEA chief: Iran investigation at 'dead end'.
Iran clerics start taking control of schools.
ASIA
India and Pakistan relations ‘better than feared’ one year after Mumbai attacks.
Thailand seeks US help battling insurgents.
Philippines charges massacre suspect with murder. Philippine massacre suspect turns himself in, military still pursuing gunmen.
Pakistan's fight against militants moves into Khyber.
China announces first greenhouse gas target.
AFRICA
Somali insurgents order halt to imported food aid.
Joy of freed journalists Lindhout, Brennan in Somalia.
Activists say UN policy must change in DR Congo.
Nigerian leader 'in Saudi hospital after treatment'.
EUROPE
Polanski prepares for luxury Alpine house arrest.
In Marseille, unease over mosque project.
Fire in south London forces 310 residents to flee.
The UK 'accepted' in 2002 that the US would invade Iraq.
Germany's top soldier quits over Afghanistan raid.
Silvio Berlusconi's wife makes 43m euros divorce claim.
AMERICAS
Cuba conducts war games with U.S. invasion in mind.
Scientists target Canada over climate change.
Brazil's Lula urges Iran dialogue, backs nuclear plan.
Chavez, Ahmadinejad vow to fight imperialism.
Honduras Supreme Court backs Zelaya ouster.
Obama vows US recovery in Thanksgiving address.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Cole suspect on FBI 'most wanted' list.
Eastern Syria becoming a new al Qaeda haven.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Obama shatters spending record for first-year Presidents.
Dollar hits 15-month low; steepest drop since July.
Dubai default threat rattles world stocks.