that's not a 'theocratic' frenzy, just religious ecstasy. happens with other religions and in a number of places, such as the philippines, over christian holy week, complete with crucifixions; think it used to happen in europe as well. happens in hinduism, at thaipusam, with cheeks and tongue pierced with skewers, hooks in body, etc.
but the particular association of shia religious ecstasy with the failure to stand by hussein -- that's a potent source that militant theocratic forces can draw upon.
bush, however, is putting a good face to it -- got to hand it to the guy -- and saying that he's pleased to see the shia able to conduct their religious observances. how will that play with his christian constituency which, despite their own ecstatic practices, must, with their take on islam, surely be somewhat disturbed by this shia outpouring?