The New York Times reports that despite a media blitz of uprisings and perceived chaos in Syria, for Iraqis, the neighboring country is an “oasis.”
Iraqis are heading to Syria for summer vacation, where they can enjoy accessible electricity and a safer atmosphere—a big step up from their home country.
In addition to tourists, Iraqi refugees continue to flock to Syria for relief. According to UNHCR, Syria hosts the most Iraqi refugees of any nation in the region, over 300,000 registered and thousands more unaccounted for.
One refugee told the Times that he does not fear the aftermath of the Arab Spring in Syria.
“I don’t care about what’s happening,” he said. “As a displaced Iraqi, I just want security.”