In Syria, Ramadan Bustle Eclipsed by Plans to Escape
The start of Ramadan in Damascus usually sees Syrians wishing family and friends well as they scurry between shops buying supplies for the sunset meal which breaks the fast, writes Layla M. from the Syrian capitol. But this Ramadan, most of the activity on the street is at protests and funerals as Damascenes flee neighborhoods under siege.
Where the wind goes nobody knows.
In Damascus, on any other eve of Ramadan, the streets would be busy with Syrians wishing family and friends well as they scurried between shops buying last-minute supplies.
But this year’s Ramadan eve, on Thursday, was devoid of the typical feelings of joy and peace felt at the commencement of the Muslim holy month.
“My feelings are with the revolution more than with Ramadan,” said Lina, a 40-year old housewife. “We normally get a lot more prepared but now people are dying in heaps, destruction is everywhere... If the regime falls in these next few days then the significance and meaning of Ramadan will be doubly great and those who weren't able to participate in the revolution before can finally do something.”
