Eid Mubarak

The Arab and Muslim world celebrates Eid Al Fitr, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, with mixed feelings this year. 

The holiday is supposed to be a joyful occasion when Muslims can shed their sufferings and misfortunes for a few days to commemorate the feast with optimism for better tidings in the future. 

On the surface of things, there is not a lot to be happy about — neither in Jordan nor in other Arab nations — since wars between Muslims are taking place with full vengeance across the region. 

Hardly a day passes without hearing about new accounts of Syrians fleeing the violence in their country and seeking refuge in Jordan, of barrel bombs and rockets falling on cities in Syria, Iraq and Yemen killing hundreds. 

Still, people are entitled to a few days off to enjoy the feast in the best way they can, and that’s exactly what many have decided to do — either by planning to go to Aqaba or the Dead Sea, or even to travel to foreign countries. 

A break from the constant bombardment of bad news is a human right, even though the images of death and destruction will remain in the back of the minds of vacationers. 

Those who are not travelling for whatever reason will find joy in family visits and reunions. In any case, holiday expenses will be exuberant for most people, whether rich or poor. 

Yet, Eid Al Fitr remains an occasion to count our blessings for living in a safe country — an oasis in a troubled region.

We take this occasion to wish all our readers a happy Eid holiday no matter where they spend it.