And why not? Ramadan is the month of jihad, which means not only that Muslims will be devoting themselves anew to the spiritual struggle, but also that there is likely to be more violence. From AP, with thanks to Eric:
CAIRO, Egypt – The Middle East is jittery as it heads into Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual introspection that has become a time of increased attacks by suicide bombers who believe they receive extra blessings.
From Iraq to Lebanon to the Sinai, the month of prayer and after-dark feasting is now a month of heightened security.
Egyptian police planned increased watchfulness throughout the month, while insisting no specific threats had been received. But Israel warned its citizens to stay away from Egypt’s beach resorts in the Sinai peninsula, calling the threat of attacks substantial.
Militants have not issued specific Ramadan-related threats, but the spike in violence in recent years – especially suicide attacks in Iraq – has been notable.
One possible reason is the belief by some Islamic extremists that those who die in combat for a holy cause during Ramadan are especially blessed.
“This is a month that has a spiritual feel to it, which condones the issue of jihad (holy war),” said Diaa Rashwan, an Egyptian expert on Islamic groups. Tradition holds the Prophet Muhammad led his forces in winning battles against nonbelievers during Ramadan, the ninth and holiest month on the Islamic calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon.