Wow...Enrique Iglesias is the first Western pop singer to perform in Syria in over 30 years. Notwithstanding the obvious danger Igliesias faced by traveling to the region, this article (written by the AP's Samar Kassabli) is laugh-worthy in that it sidesteps reasons why Western entertainers might be avoiding it:
Although Syria is rich with culture, historic and tourist sites, Western celebrities have largely stayed away from the autocratic country for years.
However, Syria has been taking small steps to open up the Socialist-style economy and allow greater opportunities and access to information for young people
It's rather difficult to concentrate on Syria's rich culture and enjoy its tourist sites when one has to worry about the fact that Syria is known within the Middle East for sponsoring terror groups such as Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), the Abu Musa Organization (AMO), and others. And although Syria pulled its troops out of Lebanon, it remains a huge influence on its smaller neighbor, despite Lebanese attempts at self-determination. Syria is also suspected of fanning the waves of violence following the publication of cartoons of Muhammed, which first appeared in the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten in September of 2005.
In addition, Syria's human rights record continues to be abysmal.
I suppose all that pales in comparison to Syria's bounteous opportunities for cultural and historical enrichment, right?
