BAGHDAD — While US General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker were drawing a rather rosy picture of Iraq in Washington, Iraqis themselves or simply praying for some peace during Ramadan. "Those who explode cars against innocent civilians have neither religion nor fear of God," Um Khalid, a 60-year-old housewife, told Agence France Presse (AFP) Monday, September 10.

"Terrorists will not respect the holiness of Ramadan or anything sacred, they are just targeting Iraqis."

In the recent years, attacks used to be intensified during Ramadan, claiming the lives of thousands of civilians.

The US army said levels of pre-Ramadan violence this year are lower than in recent years, and expected the trend to continue.

Lieutenant General Raymond Odierno, the number two US commander in Iraq, hoped last week the quieter trend continues through Ramadan.

Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said Monday that violence in Baghdad had fallen by 75 percent since the deployment of additional US troops in the capital in February.

This promoted a decision to ease the nightly curfew in Baghdad during Ramadan to come into effect at midnight instead of 11.00 pm.

The weekly vehicle curfew that usually applies between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm on Fridays, would also be canceled.

Lost Unity

Many Iraqis hoped the holy month would afford a golden opportunity to restore lost unity.

"I hope the imams of mosques do their best to promote unity in this nation rather than trigger violence," said Sadoun Sadiq, a trader in Baghdad's Karrada area.

But the minimal sign of unity, the start of fast, does not seem to be possible this year also.

Sunnis plan to fast as of Wednesday, September 12, while Shiites will mark the start of the holy month a day later.

For the past four years, Sunnis and Shiites have been observing the beginning of Ramadan on different days.

"I do not think violence will decrease because there is a high degree of political disagreement, especially now when there are many changes expected in the government," said Faris, 32.

Maliki's Shiite-dominated government has suffered a series of set backs, the latest being the resignation of all six Sunni ministers.

In a bleak outlook of the political situation in Iraq, the latest US National Intelligence Estimate depicted Maliki's government as paralyzed and doomed to weaken in the coming months.

Preparations

In spite of fears, many Iraqis continued to shop for Ramadan.

"Business has risen ahead of Ramadan, compensating for the losses during the attacks," said Mohammed Saleh, who sells sugar, nuts, spices and other delicacies.

Saleh and his fellow traders in Shorja, Baghdad's oldest market, said many people have braved the precarious security situation which encouraged them to open their shops beyond usual closing time.

Traders say men, women and children who in recent years have studiously avoided Shorja, a regular target for attacks, have returned.

Shops selling Ramadan lanterns are also witnessing a brisk business.

For many Iraqis, visiting the 400-year-old Shorja market is an integral part of the build-up to the holy month.

"Going to this market before Ramadan is a tradition that we cannot just give up, despite the risks," said Um Ahmed, a mother of four.

"We are buying what is required to make Iraqi recipes during this holy month."

Source: IslamOnline

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