Quote Originally Posted by harrybarracuda
I live and work in the Middle East you plank.
Some bigoted Sunni dominated place no doubt, where you will be fed a completely b/s one sided, propagandised dialogue by people who probably believe their own bullshit (and resent the fact that now they have to eat it). I doubt they have been to Syria.

Have you ever spent any time enjoying the great food, wine & nightlife of Damascus? I have- a boozy weekend with a mate, long term resident of Istanbul (but thoroughly British). Whilst I must admit memories are a bit hazy, Damascus rocks- or at least it did. The Damascus I saw was tolerant, diverse, liked booze, still kinda exotic, and lotsa fun. Uninhibited fun. Actually I found myself wishing I had more time there, to check out other parts of town- we were hanging around with the yupper middle class types. Kinda similar to Istanbul, but more Gallic influence and took itself a bit less seriously. Ever been to Aleppo? (I haven't- but DrB has).

Just because you are an expat in some characterless oil dominated joint in the ME, does not give you any knowledge or experience of Syria, or Syrians. P.S:- they don't dress like stereotypical Arabs. Actually the ones I met dress better than our lot. That is the Syria these vile Islamists are trying to destroy- but they have failed. Thanks Vlad, owe ya one.