Islam’s holy month begins in a year of tumultuous change across the Middle East
Benghazi, Libya
Libyans pray after breaking their fast on Aug. 1, 2011, the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The carpet in front of them depicts Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.Sergey Ponomarev / AP
Zlitan, Libya
A Libyan fighter reads a prayer book near the front line east of Tripoli on Aug. 1, 2011.Darren Whiteside / Reuters
Cairo
Security forces clash with protesters in Tahrir Square on Aug. 2, 2011. The demonstrators, who have occupied the square since early July to press for political reforms, had refused to vacate the square, though many major political groups had called for an end to the protest during Ramadan.Khaled Elfiqi / EPA
Damascus, Syria
Protesters chant slogans in the al-Midan area of Damascus on Aug. 1, 2011. During the weekend preceding the beginning of the holy month, Syrian security forces advanced into the restive city of Hama, killing dozens and wounding hundreds.Reuters
Sana’a, Yemen
A woman helps prepare the traditional Yemeni dish shofout, made with bread, yogurt, spices and vegetables, ahead of a group's breaking of the fast on Aug. 1, 2011, the first day of Ramadan.Jumana El Heloueh / Reuters
Benghazi, Libya
On Aug. 1, 2011, a man carries a container of food in a kitchen that prepares thousands of meals every day to be distributed to Libyan rebel fighters.Esam Al-Fetori / Reuters
Tunis, Tunisia
Traditional bread is sold on Aug. 1, 2011, the first day of Ramadan.Zoubeir Souissi / Reuters
Benghazi, Libya
Libyan men wait to break their fast on Aug. 1, 2011.Gianluigi Guercia / AFP / Getty Images
