Violence-scarred Ramadan comes to an end

A Ramadan marked by violence in the Middle East drew to a close across most of the region, and Muslims were preparing for the three-day Eid el-Fitr – a holiday associated with family gatherings over lavish meals and gifts for children.

In Baghdad, where the Eid began yesterday, security was increased during the night ahead of massive morning prayers that usher in the holiday. In Lebanon, where the Eid begins today, fasters hurrying home to break their last fast of the month were caught in a rainstorm that flooded streets and jammed traffic.