For Syrians, Life Goes On Despite Likelihood Of U.S. Action
The author is a Syrian citizen in Damascus who is not being further identified out of safety concerns.
Most residents of Damascus believe that a U.S. military strike is on the horizon, but few think it will have a dramatic impact on the course of a war that has already been raging for more than two years.
Those who follow the government line often speak about a U.S. conspiracy to overthrow the country's leader, Bashar Assad, as other Arab leaders have been toppled in recent years.
And even those who have backed the uprising against Assad say they are not comfortable with a Western nation attacking their country.
"Well, it's always shameful to say: 'Yes, we want foreigners — the West — to strike our country.' People don't say things like that," said Nabil, a newlywed in his early 30s. Like others interviewed for this story, he asked that only his first name be used.
Like millions of Syrians, he has been driven from his home. He and his wife, Rana, have been living with her parents in downtown Damascus for months.
"Well, let's be realistic," added Rana. "I'm not going to say I want a strike against my own country. But I do say I hope such a strike will help us out a little. We've seen so much already. Enough."
Samir, who served his mandatory military service in the late 1990s, said an attack could harm the Assad regime but it won't drive it from power.
"The strike won't necessarily change the equation on the ground. It's not meant to get rid of the regime," he said, adding that he always supported the uprising against Assad.
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