ANKARA
Muslims the world over feel the sorrow of greeting the fasting month of Ramadan, "the sultan of the eleven months", in the eclipse of wars, conflicts, pressure, exile, violence, and occupation.
The civil war in Syria approaches its third year while the coup that ousted the first democratically elected president in Egypt remains the focus of new tensions in the Muslim world.
Coup in Egypt: 53 dead
Mohamed Morsi, who came to power following the collapse of the 30-year-long regime of Hosni Mubarak, was overthrown only a year into his tenure by a military coup, which caused a great stir in Egypt's already agitated streets. The army opened fire on unwitting pro-Morsi protesters during a congregational morning prayer, killing 53 and wounding hundreds. Occasional clashes continue.
Civil war in Syria
The battle between regime forces and opposition fighters has been going on for two years. The clashes, fanning the flame of Sunni-Shiite divide in the region, have left 100,000 dead. Hundreds of thousands of Syrians sought shelter in neighboring countries, including Turkey, Jordan and Iraq while millions are internally displaced.
Explosions in Lebanon
The country has seen increasing sectarian tensions due to Lebanese militant group Hezbollah's support for Assad regime in Syria and its active participation in the civil war there. Lebanon entered the first day of Ramadan with an explosion, which took place near Sabra Refugee Camp south of capital Beirut and injured dozens. The camp houses twenty thousand Palestinians.
Fighting in Iraq
Iraq has experienced every kind of negativity that war brings since it was invaded by the United States in 2003. The country now grapples with explosions and suicide bombings it frequently faces.
The tension that began after the departure of US troops seems headed for a Sunni-Shiite conflict. Iran, plagued with domestic problems, has recently seen the bloodiest months since 2008, and no promising developments are expected in the short term. Sunni-dominated protests continue against the government.
Attacks in Xinjiang
Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region or East Turkistan, which has been under Chinese occupation since 1949, continues to see assimilation efforts and attacks against Muslims. For the last four years the region has been home to constant tension and fighting. Last week, 35 people were killed in clashes in the city of Turfan.
Muslims under pressure in Myanmar
Religious pressure against Muslims in Myanmar has persisted since 1960. Rohingya Muslims are not recognized as citizens in the country that is ruled by the Buddhist majority. Muslims' rights to education, travel and marriage are limited. Hundreds were killed by Buddhist monks in attacks that began in July 2012. After the public supported the monks, thousands of Muslims have been forced to leave their homes and take refuge in Bangladesh.
Israeli occupation in Palestine
Palestine has been under Israeli occupation since 1948. Israel has imposed a land and air blockade on Gaza since 2006. Tens of thousands of Palestinians are living as refugees in neighboring countries.
Poverty and clashes in Africa
The continent, whose resources are being exploited by Western countries, is in a constant fight against famine, drought and scarcity. The number of hungry grew in Africa in only two years between 2010 and 2012, from 175 million to 239 million.
Pakistan
Hundreds of people have died in US drone attacks against Taliban militants in Pakistan while conflicts continue to rage between Sunnis and Shiites. Even worship places are targeted by bombs, with 200 killed in the last four months. Nawaz Sharif became Prime Minister in May 11 election but this has not stopped the violence.
Afghanistan
Clashes between security forces and Taliban militants continue in the country, where close to 600 people have been killed last month.
Tunisia
Coalition government in Tunisia, known as the country where Arab Spring began, means greater political instability. The assassination of opposition leader Chokri Belaid early this year led to mass protests.
Libya
Following the collapse of the Gadhafi regime, stability has still not been achieved in the country, where election to pick the president of the parliament was delayed multiple times last year. The recent clashes have left 32 people dead.
Sudan
Army troops continue to fight tribal militias in Sudan. According to UN statistics, 300,000 have been killed since 2003.
Famine and death in Somalia
Militias in famine-stricken Somalia are embroiled in constant fighting, which killed 71 last week in the city of Kismayo.
Chechnya
Chechnya declared its independence in 1991, but then was invaded by Russia. In the last 22 years, 250,000 are estimated to have been killed and hundreds of thousands injured. Five hundred thousand people have had to emigrate from the republic, which is ruled by a Russia-backed government.
Patani
The army and the insurgency are battling in Patani, a Muslim-majority area south of Thailand. Tens of thousands are believed to have been killed in the region, invaded in 1902.
