Give Syria another try

I read with interest the Home Forum page article "Crossing the Lines That Divide Us," Nov. 30. The author spends a considerable amount of time describing his negative experiences in Syria. While I do not doubt the author, I offer my own experiences in Syria as an alternative view of a country whose people showed me nothing less than the warmest hospitality.

I too am British. I participated in a study abroad program in Syria last summer with a group of American students. The Syrian people we met treated us with a friendliness that I have experienced in no other country. Most were surprised to see Americans in their country because of the poor relations in the past. I hope that the author will give Syria another try and experience a little more of the country than the border police. Ronan Doherty Williamsburg, Va.

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