Not only is the Ministry of Tourism sprucing up its tourism infrascture with better hotels, transportation and safer environments but they are also taking a look at some of their cultural practices (without compromising the strong Muslim culture). For instance, social networks like Facebook and YouTube are still banned, due to their idea it will corrupt the younger generation. However, it was recently addressed at a press conference, and Syria knows they have to make great strides and big changes in order to lure us. What about the gay community? Gays do exist (ironically, the popular website Gaydar is accessible in the country) but rarely able to act in public. You still can get arrested. For sure, like India, it's a "don't show/act" policy but Syria (striving to be more open like Israel and Lebanon) has taken note. In fact, the local gays are fighting back, slowly coming out of the closet with little resistance from the government.

Only time will tell, and one shouldn't be discouraged from discovering some of the incredible historic sites and attractions because they can't kiss their partner on the street. What are your thoughts?