"The dystopia has exposed itself slowly and is something that the two-week traveler would probably miss. The veneer of a wonderful and exotic oriental façade slowly peals away to reveal a sense of fear, hopelessness, and wearing frustration. The traveler can escape the lack of free speech, inadequate access to information, and peering eyes of big brother when he leaves but the Syrian cannot. The longer you are here the more it becomes a reality weighing you down. How fortunate I am to have the luxury of escape when I want it."
(click here for the full post: War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.)
Newsweek's gallery is no exaggeration; Assad's picture is absolutely everywhere and he is often joined by the late Syrian president (his father Hafez) and the leader of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah. Displaying Assad's picture has some real benefits for those who do it (most business owners do). For one brief example, Syria instituted a complete ban on indoor smoking in public buildings, including the ubiquitous Shisha (hookah) cafes. However, the ban is only enforced on establishments that do not display Bashar's photograph. Furthermore, restaurants, shops and nearly any place open for business that does not profess support of Assad via a large, visible photograph is liable to pay a fine based on phony laws.
Here are a few of my own 'Big Brother is watching' photos:
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| "We love you." This kind of graffiti is tolerated. |
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| Taped to the hood of a car. This design depicts a thumbprint in the flag's colors behind Assad. |
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| Notice the scale. There are people standing above the banner. |
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