War clouds cast shadow over Ramadan celebrations

MUSLIMS across the world began fasting yesterday for the holy month of Ramadan, with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the possibility of a US-led war against Iraq casting a shadow over celebrations.

Some used the occasion to condemn militants whose campaign of violence, notably the attacks on New York and Washington on September 11 last year, triggered a backlash against Islamic communities.

But for millions, the main sensation was a mounting sense of injustice at what they see as anti-Muslim policies of Western governments, especially the United States.