Syria: US No, KFC Yes

They helped in Russia and Eastern Europe to bring the Berlin wall down. They might even work in the middle east. Pershing missles? Well no doubt they helped, but the key to bringing non-western countries over may lie in something more "nefarious" -- blue jeans, rock 'n roll and coca-cola and fast food...

The U.S. flag serves as a doormat to an office and nearby merchants announce "we boycott American goods," but some Syrians can't seem to keep away from American fast food at the new KFC fried chicken restaurant. "

I oppose American politics totally, but what does food have to do with it? Politics is one thing, and food is something totally different," Tareq Mashnouk, a 26-year-old fashion designer, told Reuters.

KFC opened its first outlet in Damascus this month, becoming Syria's first fully licensed American food franchise. It belongs to Kuwait Food Co. (Americana), which owns and operates KFC and other American food chains like Pizza Hut and TGI Fridays throughout the Middle East.

"To be honest we were surprised they opened this American restaurant in the midst of our political situation," said Tareq Farzat, 25, adding that he liked his Chicken Burger Combo and would definitely return to KFC with his friend Kalam. A businessman welcomed the restaurant's arrival.
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Besides, as the country worries about bird flu, surely KFC "examines its chicken before cooking it ... I trust KFC chicken more than any rotisserie," said Farzat.

It may be a while before the rock 'n roll and women in hip-hugger blue jeans hit the Arab streets, but the chain restaurants are a step towards western aculturization. All kidding aside, Syria's subtle shift towards privatization is a positive. The way to win the hearts and minds may be through the stomach, eyes and ears of the citizens. This is what the fundamentalist mullahs fear (and from their point of view, with reason), that western style democracy brings western style decadence or western style freedom (depending on the point of view).