But otherwise Damascus is the closest thing to Shangri-la. It is a meticulously orderly and disciplined city - no one pulls at your sleeve trying to sell you something. And they are all looking forward to their own shopping expeditions in Tel Aviv. Nor are the city's attractions limited to its people. The streets are as clean as they are safe.
Girls can walk about late at night without fear of molestation.
Neither prostitutes nor muggers dare disturb the general tranquillity. Not at all, asserts Bismout. Syria is quite free. Why, Syrian papers boldly reported the apprehension of the alleged serial rapist in Tel Aviv. And Bismout's phone calls to Paris were never disconnected, even when he mentioned his editor's name.