Syria Juice Vendor Gears Up for Ramadan as Crisis Takes Toll

In a busy market in Syria's capital, 53-year-old Ishaaq Kremed serenades customers and agilely pours tamarind juice from the ornate brass jug on his back ahead of Ramadan. 

The popular street vendor says he usually has more customers during the Islamic holy month starting next week, during which many favor the drink to break their day-long fast at sundown.  But he says his trade of more than 40 years has also taken on new meaning since the war-torn country has been plunged into economic crisis.  "My main job is to make customers smile," says the mustachioed father of 16, dressed in billowing trousers, a patterned waistcoat and red fez.