Lawrence Journal World in Lawrence, Kansas

Ramadan smoking challenge frames a weary Ramallah driver

In Ramallah during Ramadan smokers face a clash of faith and habit as the daylong fast bans food and cigarettes while the night grants relief. A taxi driver, Abdel Karim Ramaneh, battles headaches to resist lighting up, while health groups urge quitting and clerics weigh declaring smoking haram. Experts note cultural embeddedness of smoking across Muslim-majority regions and present varied attitudes toward bans and advertising.