Having spent time in Syria in the last few years, I enjoyed listening to Brook's experiences in Syria and agree completely. Syria is a beautiful country with much to see.

In response to comment #2: No, I was not surprised to find human beings there; I was surprised to find human beings who were so friendly and welcoming to American tourists. Arab tourists in the United States, as you must know, are not accorded such courteous treatment. Though lots of people I met in Syria hated Bush, with good reason, they did not seem to blame us as individuals for his works. How refreshingly different from the way so many Americans treat, and talk about, Arabs.

It seems that many of the super rich families in the developing world, especially in the Caribbean and Latin America are of Syrian and Lebanese decent. Why have they haven't been more politically or economically involved Syria?

Another American who is "surprised" to find human beings in other parts of the world. Guess what, during the Cold War, most Russians were fine, friendly people. Most Germans and Japanese during WWII were also mostly decent, welcoming people. There is a natural tendency of thinly educated Americans to personalize and demonize. Human beings are human beings. Most are not naturally evil. Most are warm and welcoming. Political conflicts sets nations against nations, but it is natural for politicians to demonize adversaries. And is always amusing to see American tourists "surprised" when the find others to be just human beings like themselves.