I read a recent op-ed in the Yemen times that summed up my experience of Ramadan. The editor apologized for the thin papers out out during Ramadan. She then said that they tried to put out the normal papers, but because of the fasting people were apparently unable to work, or think (her words). She then pointed out that Yemen is the only place where you are not expected to continue with your regular life during Ramadan. You are supposed to fast during the day, so the Yemenis turn day into night. They stay up all night and sleep during the day. Not only does this screw up productivity, but it also calls into question the entire reason behind Ramadan. If the fasting isn’t difficult, does it have any meaning? Yemen basically shuts down for a month and a week. I agree with the editor that a country as poor as Yemen can ill afford throwing away 8% of their productivity a year…
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