Tunisian Authorities Closing Down Restaurants During Ramadan

Al-Monitor reported yesterday that in Tunisia, for the fourth year in a row police are conducting raids forcing restaurants to close down during Ramadan.  It is unclear what legal authority they have to take this action, though some are pointing to  a circular issued in 1981 by the Prime Minister and canceled two days later by the head of state.

White House Sends Greetings As Ramadan Begins

Ramadan begins tonight. The White House released a statement (full text) from the President extending greetings from the American people to Muslims communities in the U.S. and around the world. The statement reads in part:

... Ramadan is also an occasion when Muslims around the world reaffirm their commitment to helping the less fortunate....  Here in the United States, we are grateful to the many Muslim American organizations, individuals, and businesses that are devoted to creating opportunity for all by working to reduce income inequality and poverty, not only through their charitable efforts, but also through their initiatives to empower students, workers and families with the education, skills and health care they deserve.

President Obama went on to announce that again this year the White House will host an iftar dinner during Ramadan.