In 2009 I visited Syria while my son was going to Arabic language school in Damascus. For two weeks we traveled the country by ourselves. We visited many Christian sites including a monastery where orphans were cared for by nuns. We also visited a few mosques and some incredible sites like a Crusader castle and the ruins of Palmyra.
The whole country was functioning well. The markets were full of food, transportation was excellent. Everyone treated us warmly.
One morning my son was busy and couldn’t take me sightseeing. He showed me the way to the National Museum, so here I was, a little old grandmother walking the streets of Damascus by myself. Nothing to fear, just a fascinating experience.
Assad was keeping the country functioning. As Gabbard said, it’s either Assad or Isis.
Assad visiting a monastery where nuns care for orphans. Assad had full support from Christians in Syria.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfNY3h5YD2M
Fascinating memory, thank you for sharing. How sad.