Palestinians celebrate Ramadan 2020
Smoked mackerels are seen before being sold during Ramadan. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
Palestinians receive a portion of soup passed out to families in need on May 5 during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
A man hands out meals for Palestinians to break their fast during Ramadan. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
Palestinian boys line up to receive a portion of soup. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
Palestinians children receive soup during Ramadan. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
Palestinians children receive soup during Ramadan. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
Palestinians in need received soup during Ramadan. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
A Palestinian boy showcases Chinese-made "fanous" lanterns for sale in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday. The lanterns are used as decoration to celebrate the start of Ramadan. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
Palestinians shop for the holiday, which is marked by fasting during the day. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
Social distancing rules and shelter-in-place orders globally will force Muslims to celebrate Ramadan differently this year. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
The monthlong observance is among the most sacred practices. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
A Palestinian baker prepares "Qatayef," traditional pancakes that are popular during holiday. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
A vendor sells dried fruit. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
A craftsman fashions a traditional "fanous." Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
The bright colors of a "fanous" give view to a lantern workshop. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
An overview of the empty plaza of the locked Al Aqsa Mosque compound, including the Dome of the Rock. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI
More than 1.8 billion Muslims around the world are preparing for the holiest month of the year. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI
Ramadan is the holy month-long period when the faithful fast in a time of spiritual discipline and reflection. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI
Many Ramadan traditions will be altered for the pandemic, such as iftar, when the daily fast is broken, evening prayers at mosques, and Eid al-Fitr festivities at the end of the month. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI
While some countries are locking down, Turkey plans to allow expatriates to return for the holy month. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI
A woman walks through the Old City of Jerusalem wearing a mask. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI
Muslim clerics have announced the Al Aqsa Mosque will remain closed for the holy month, beginning the evening of April 23. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI
A vendor wears a mask as shoppers visit his stand in preparation for Ramadan. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI
Opium Poppy
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report released Monday, the opium produced in Afghanistan has doubled in the past two years, reaching record highs. The United Nations' report determined that 93% of the world's opium is now produced in Afghanistan, up 1% from last year.

In 2007, 193,000 hectares of land in Afghanistan were dedicated to opium poppy cultivation, representing a 17 percent increase over 2006. In addition, the yield per hectare was up from last year, due to favourable weather conditions. In 2007, opium yields were 42.5 kg per hectare, while in 2006 yields were 37.0 kg/ha. Overall in 2007, Afghanistan produced 8,200 tons of opium, an amount 34 percent greater than in 2006.

This marks the sixth consecutive year that production has increased despite the United States' US$600 million counter-narcotics program in Afghanistan. When commenting on the report’s overall findings, William B. Wood, the American ambassador to Afghanistan, said, "I think it is safe to say that we should be looking for a new strategy, and I think that we are finding one." He refers to the possibility of such enhanced U.S. efforts including spraying poppy crops with herbicides. This proposal has been opposed by both British and Afghan officials in the past.