Jaunted

What on earth does "take it easy if you do decide to visit" in BOLD mean? I'm a foreigner living in Damascus and have to say some of what we see written about Syria and whether or not to visit is hilarious. The fact that the US changed its tune (or appears to have done) does not mean US or other nationality visitors are any more or less safe. The irony of media such as the New York Times or others suddenly deciding it's time to visit Damascus is not lost on most here. While they trumpet the new holiday destination as a must see for 2010, there is no discussion of the fact the US is single handedly stopping the Syrian airline industry from buying planes from France, thereby limiting the possibilities for economic expansion AND a healthy travel industry! The US media suggests you travel there while it could be argued the government makes it less safe for you to do so by stopping plane parts from being delivered. Double standards abound. Regarding tourism campaigns - tourists have been coming here for centuries, just not necessarily american tourists. Aside from visitors from the Gulf and backpackers, Damascus has a burgeoning group of youngsters flocking here from all over the western world to learn arabic in it's universities. This is to the fascination of many Syrians who are genuinely happy but surprised we want to learn their culture and language. On any day, the streets of the old city throng with Syrians and visitors alike. Because you have not yet seen something doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Damascus and Syria as a whole are incredible, beautiful, complex, challenging places to visit and you will be made immensely welcome here. Travel fashions will come and go but please come - and don't just limit yourself to Damascus as there's a host of safe and amazing places country-wide. But whether you come or not, please do also consider that the US' opinion of 'safety' is not always relevant or the most informed.

Glad you like Syria, and we realize there's way more to see than just Damascus.

However, Syria is no Canada when it comes to security or certain travelers feeling comfortable. We're just putting it out there.

If our comments about the TSA are any indication of our feelings about the US' opinion on 'safety,' things should be pretty clear.

Syria, and Damascus in particular, would be on the tops of my list should I get the chance to focus on the Eastern Mediterranean. And to back up Jaunted's perspective, I agree that Syria is far from an easy backpacking adventure. It would unquestionably have its own unique challenges.