Ramadan starts on October 15

[spinbaby]

Or October 16, depending on what source you check. Last year, Ramadan marked a major uprising in Iraq. It may happen again this year. Or, it's possible that, expecting an uprising, the Bush gang will conduct a major "crackdown." In any case, Ramadan is a possible trigger for all kinds of mid-east disturbances and it starts only about two weeks before the election--a factor to calculate into the election mix.

[Dogmudgeon]

1. Ramadan is usually quiet

It's a lot like Yom Kippur to the Jews, except it's 40 days long and fasting is required while the sun is up. For devout Muslims, it's a time of prayer and self-analysis.

But then again, maniacs do as they wish anyway.

The big date seems to be the Muslim New Year. It's usually right around September 11th, which is probably why the 9-11-01 attacks were made on that day. The so-called "Jerusalem Jihad" -- the renewal of the Palestinian intifada -- began on 9-11-00.

By the way, if you have Muslim friends, be sure to tell them Eid Mubarak after Ramadan is over. I think Eid this year is the same week as Thanksgiving. Eid is the fast-breaking holiday that ends Ramadan. "Eid Mubarak" means "Have a Blessed Eid".

--bkl

[spinbaby]

2. It does seem like a quiet sort of holiday

But when I was looking over the Iraq coalition casualty site, there was that spike at Ramadan. I also expect that the Bush adminstration expects trouble at about this time and will take measures to prevent it. There are distinct October surprise possibilities here.