Who's this cool guy? Is he cooler than Barack? It's the new Assad. After nearly 30 years of dictatorship and a very closed society under his father, he actually ushered in many reforms starting 10 years ago. But he was reigned in by the old guard eventually, so the reforms have stalled. Still, Syria is more modern and open than it ever was under his father, so the people are a little happier. Still, they only have referendum every 7 years instead of the vote the constitution calls for, just like under his father. So the feeling of impotence prevails throughout this country when it comes to politics.
As far as control of the media and the internet I've noticed a couple things:
In Turkey, I couldn't use YouTube to upload the videos I had, as the Turkish government blocked it. I think mainly to stop porn, but it might have been political as well. A little frustrating, but it forced me to search for other comparable video uploading sites. Vimeo is a good one I've found for anyone that needs an option. Now in Syria, my blog is blocked, among other things. I can upload text, but can't view anything on blogger after that. Must be frustrating for the people here to have to deal with these interruptions. * Later, I found they have for the most part found ways around this using proxy servers.
I had read that the Syrian people don't have the freedom to criticize government, and that political blogging is watched- some have been jailed. I have had some interesting conversations with Syrians about their government and mine. Some rather open, free flowing conversations- and then some people have quickly changed the subject. Very interesting, but something I'll discuss later.
One thing that strikes me here is their ability to talk openly about my government's actions while keeping the conversation friendly, allowing both of us to learn. Many times, they would rather find out about me, and don't seem bothered that I'm an American. This is refreshing, especially considering that I'm here in a predominantly Arab Muslim land. Because of Iraq, Afghanistan, and really our influence in the whole region, there is plenty of frustration here. And effects of the wars, like Iraqi refugees, for example, are a daily concern for Syrians. There are many side effects to the chaos in this part of the world right now. I hope to learn from this experience here, and better understand what the U.S. government's role is in the region.
I'm being treated damn well considering. It's very easy to like a people that know how to approach you as a human being, not something representative of a government, or the currently projected mass media image.
And then, to boot- right before coming to this internet cafe to write, I stopped by a dessert shop for some incredible fig cookies. The man put them in the bag, and said, "No money, welcome sir." That's the second time that's happened. That's just f'n nice.
I had read that the Syrian people don't have the freedom to criticize government, and that political blogging is watched- some have been jailed. I have had some interesting conversations with Syrians about their government and mine. Some rather open, free flowing conversations- and then some people have quickly changed the subject. Very interesting, but something I'll discuss later.
One thing that strikes me here is their ability to talk openly about my government's actions while keeping the conversation friendly, allowing both of us to learn. Many times, they would rather find out about me, and don't seem bothered that I'm an American. This is refreshing, especially considering that I'm here in a predominantly Arab Muslim land. Because of Iraq, Afghanistan, and really our influence in the whole region, there is plenty of frustration here. And effects of the wars, like Iraqi refugees, for example, are a daily concern for Syrians. There are many side effects to the chaos in this part of the world right now. I hope to learn from this experience here, and better understand what the U.S. government's role is in the region.
I'm being treated damn well considering. It's very easy to like a people that know how to approach you as a human being, not something representative of a government, or the currently projected mass media image.
And then, to boot- right before coming to this internet cafe to write, I stopped by a dessert shop for some incredible fig cookies. The man put them in the bag, and said, "No money, welcome sir." That's the second time that's happened. That's just f'n nice.
If you were British they would have your limes on a plate
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