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| Syrians
boycott American goods but love KFC (by Rasha Elass) The US flag serves as a doormat to an office and nearby merchants announce “we boycott American goods”, but some Syrians can’t seem to keep away from American fast food at the new KFC fried chicken restaurant. “I oppose American politics totally, but what does food have to do with it? Politics is one thing, and food is something totally different,” Tareq Mashnouk, a 26-year-old fashion designer, said. KFC opened its first outlet in Damascus this month, becoming Syria’s first fully licensed American food franchise. It belongs to Kuwait Food Co (Americana), which owns and operates KFC and other American food chains like Pizza Hut and TGI Fridays throughout the Middle East. Syria has been reforming its socialist economy by allowing more private businesses to open, but some say the timing is wrong for the KFC opening. Similar fast-food outlets have been attacked in the Muslim world and elsewhere as symbols of the US. “To be honest we were surprised they opened this American restaurant in the midst of our political situation,” said Tareq Farzat, 25, adding that he liked his Chicken Burger Combo and would definitely return to KFC with his friend Kalam. A businessman welcomed the restaurant’s arrival. “Fast-food franchises are a new thing in Syria and (the opening of KFC) is a good thing,” said Firas Safi, owner of Kuwaiti-based food chain Shrimpy. Syria’s political relations with the US have deteriorated since it opposed the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Washington has since accused Syria of allowing insurgents to cross its border with Iraq to attack US troops there. Syria is also in a political showdown with the international community over its alleged role in the February 14, 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Al Hariri and 22 others in a truck bomb in Beirut. The United States recalled its ambassador in protest days after the murder, and mounting international pressure forced Syria to pull its troops out of Lebanon in April after a 29-year military presence. Interim reports by a United Nations inquiry have implicated Syrian officials and their Lebanese allies in the crime, although Syria has repeatedly denied any involvement. The UN Security Council has threatened to take unspecified action against Syria if it fails to cooperate with the ongoing investigation. The United States reiterated the same threat last week, re-igniting anti-American feelings. “I wouldn’t go (to KFC) because it has an American brand name and business has a lot to do with politics,” said Zakariya Tayyan, 26, a student. But many others seem pleased with the KFC experience and trust American brands. “This tastes good, and we’ll definitely come back to eat here when we’re in the mood for chicken,” said a 45-year-old Muslim woman wearing a headscarf. Besides, as the country worries about bird flu, surely KFC “examines its chicken before cooking it ... I trust KFC chicken more than any rotisserie”, said Farzat. The World Health Organisation has said Syria is among countries at risk of bird flu after an outbreak killed four children in neighbouring Turkey. An Americana representative overseeing the restaurant’s opening said other chains will open soon, declining to comment further. But politics aside, KFC may not suit all pockets in a country where income is low. The average college-educated government employee earns about $100 per month, which is the price of five “bargain combo” KFC buckets each filled with 15 chicken pieces, a large order of French fries and coleslaw, five buns and a litre of Pepsi. |
