Pilgrims from the West flock to hajj despite Mideast war

“Despite the Middle East war and a US government travel advisory, there was never any doubt in Fadel's mind that he would attend this year's hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. "Even if the war were still ongoing, I would not have backed out," the 49-year-old US national, who asked that only his first name be used, told AFP. "We are undoubtedly in the safest place in the world," he added, referring to a passage from the Koran.

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