Nostradamuses of the Arab World

By The Associated Press
The Associated Press
Thursday, December 29, 2005; 2:22 PM

-- THE BACKGROUND: Even though Islam bans fortunetelling, psychics and astrologers are much in demand in the Arab world, and New Year's Eve is their biggest moment in the spotlight.

THE PREDICTIONS: Lebanese psychic Michel Hayek predicted a huge attack in Beirut. In February, a car bomb killed a former prime minister and sparked protests that ended Syria's 29-year military presence in Lebanon.

DO PEOPLE BELIEVE?: When a rumor spread that Hayek predicted another Beirut attack, people were so panicked he issued a denial. Still, the area was deserted that weekend.

© 2005 The Associated Press