Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton's Remarks at the Annual State Department Iftar Dinner Tonight

Hillary hosted this break-fast dinner tonight. During Ramadan, Muslims fast until after sundown every day for the whole month (so everyone was hungry). Astrologers determine exactly when Ramadan begins and ends. This does not necessarily coincide with the dates printed on calendars. For Muslims from other countries visiting in the United States, Ramadan usually begins with a phone call from the embassy relaying the determination by the astrologers that the time for fasting has come. The Eid at the end (also determined by astrologers and signaled by phone calls - sometimes it comes as a surprise) is a time of great feasting, as you might imagine.