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muslims around the world on monday ushered in ramadan, a month of dawn-to-dusk abstinence from food and drinks.
but this year, the unrest in the middle east and north africa has cast a pall over what is traditionally a period of comity and goodwill toward men.
several countries in the region have been swept up in protests against longtime rulers since the january revolt that ousted tunisian strongman zine el abidine ben ali.
in many cases, these demonstrations and movements have been met with brute force that has escalated into seemingly unending violence.
most anti-government demonstrations have taken place after prayers, with the masses taking to the streets after meeting at mosques.
the month, which brings more muslims to mosques, has some governments worrying that the gatherings will provide more opportunities for such protests -- and demonstrators fearing that security forces will crack down forcefully to prevent them.