[TexasGunLover]

Syria, particularly Damascus, was very modern.

You're kidding right? Don't be fooled by a few new buildings. The government was non-functional and corrupt. Quality of life doesn't even approach the US.

[griffin]

https://petapixel.com/2016/08/02/26-photos-show-war-changed-syria/

Yeah, I’m guessing you thought Beruit and Havana were “third world” too before war ravages and everyone was subsistence living off berry bushes and cock roaches.

[griffin]

https://www.businessinsider.com/nightlife-in-damascus-2016-5?op=1

Nightlife in Damascus. Not what it was before the war, but hardly third world.

In fact, other than that corruption and communism, Damascus was thriving before the war. Nobody wanted it to turn out this way, but people WERE farly comfortable yet many still chose war. Can happen here too.