*120* Syrian security killed?

And that’s just how many the government is admitting. HERE.

They’re in a lot more trouble than I thought they would be. Syria would have been right behind Saudi Arabia on my list of Middle East regimes least likely to fall.

Strange place, Syria. It does feel generally oppressive and paranoid, or did in 2002 when I was there. But at the same time, the people are very nice and it’s a great place to see. And man, is it cheap. Furthermore, if you like sweets and steam baths, it’s the place for you (and I like both). Syria has the world’s best candies and desserts, in my opinion.

The standard reaction from many Western people is that they like Aleppo the best. I’m in the pro-Damascus minority, myself.