RAQQA: To fast or not to fast? For the first time in years, Syrians in Raqqa can choose to observe a relaxed Ramadan, without the rigid regulations imposed by the Islamic State group and their religious police. "We are free to fast or not," says Ahmad al-Hussein, a resident of the northern Syrian city that was the inner sanctum of IS's self-styled "caliphate." A worker drinks water from a container as he stands on rubble of damaged buildings in Raqqa, Syria May 14, 2018. Already, Ramadan feels different, with those opting not to fast eating publicly without fear of retribution.

Source: New Strait Times May 20, 2018 12:00 UTC