working hard to put on a good
face.
To that end, this June, the
government launched something
they called the Summer in Syria
campaign.
It involved art fairs, film
festivals, and fashion shows.
They urged Syrians to share
their experiences on Twitter.
They got an unexpectedly heavy
response.
"Enjoying the summer in Syria."
"Greetings from Homs."
"Just having some tea
and enjoying the view
from my balcony."
"C'mon, it will be
a different experience."
"Just a few more barrel bombs
and this will all be
white sand."
During my visit to Homs,
I actually meet the man
in charge of the campaign,
Syria's Minister of Tourism
Bishr Yazigi.
>> SMITH: How do you do?
>> Nice to meet you here.
>> SMITH: Nice to meet you,
it's good to be here.
>> SMITH: The minister is still
very upbeat about his mission.
>> SMITH: The minister is here
in Homs to see one other
project.
So we follow him and the
governor through the bombed-out
remains of central Homs
to this place five miles east
of the city.
The resort isn't fully open yet,
just the pool and public areas.
Everyone seems excited.
The minister's visit attracts
ten local reporters,
and the resort is already
taking reservations.
>> SMITH: The official opening
is just a month away.
>> SMITH: Just ten miles from
rebel lines, the animals look
as stunned as I am.
We drive back to the reality
of Homs.
This city is going to need
a lot more than a new resort.
I talk to some high school
students who make that clear.
Syria has little to offer them.
They face military conscription
when they finish school or a car
bomb tomorrow.
What do you worry about?
>> I worry about my friends.
I worry about these explosions
that happen in our neighborhood.
There is so many.
>> SMITH: Who is doing the
explosions?
>> Terrorists.
>> SMITH: Terrorists.
And where are they from?
What group?
>> The terrorists have destroyed
my future.
I don't have any future now
in Syria.
They destroyed our life.
We were happy people because
we live in a safe place.
Now we can't.
We're afraid of every car
could bomb in us.
>> SMITH: Are we safe here?
>> No place in Syria is safe.
No place.
Because the American government
has given the rebels long-range
rockets.
They can destroy any place
in Syria.
We're not safe in our homes.
