Saudis blamed after hajj stampede kills 717

Blame shifted towards Saudi authorities Friday after a crush at the hajj killed at least 717 people during the worst tragedy to strike the annual Muslim pilgrimage in a quarter-century. The disaster, which also injured several hundred people, was the second deadly accident to hit worshippers this month, after a crane collapse in the holy city of Mecca killed more than 100. Riyadh's regional rival Iran said 131 of its nationals were among the victims, and on Friday stepped up its criticism of the