Word: damascus
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...prophet muhammad apparently refused to visit Damascus because he preferred to save paradise for paradise. But if you don't feel like delaying gratification, prepare to encounter one of the great cradles of civilization. The Syrian capital is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world and a place where you can step back through the centuries by simply turning a corner. Here's an itinerary for two days of Damascene delights...
...Friday Check in at Beit al Mamlouka, www.almamlouka.com, a boutique hotel in a restored courtyard house in the Old City, and one of Damascus' best. Dine on French and Syrian cuisine in a pretty courtyard round the corner at Elissar, tel: (963-11) 542 4300. The mezze are a meal in themselves. (See 50 essential travel tips...
...fades, get a cab out to Mount Kassioun, which looms over Damascus, and enjoy sundowners and a meal at Ahla Talleh, tel: (963-11) 373 0866. Dine on tender lamb kebabs with basmati rice and pistachios while enjoying sweeping views of the city...
...leading the Palestinian fight against Israel. It directly controls Gaza, and only the ongoing suppression of free political activity in the West Bank prevents the Islamists from making a far stronger challenge to Abbas on his own turf. The steady stream of Western officials and journalists traveling to Damascus to meet with Hamas leaders is a sure sign that the U.S.-led boycott of the organization has failed to weaken its influence - and, of course, when the Israelis want to discuss a cease-fire or a prisoner exchange, it is with Hamas that they're forced to deal, albeit...
...Special envoy Mitchell made his own news over the weekend in Damascus. He announced the U.S. intention to ease sanctions on sales of aircraft parts and computer and telecommunications equipment to Syria. The Obama Administration is hoping that a diplomatic rapprochement with Syria will help peel Damascus away from its longtime role as Iran's key Arab ally. Though Syria is hedging its bets, it has opened up to Washington's advances. (See pictures of the world's worst nuclear disasters...