Can't help you with your question, but if you haven't been to the Petra exhibit at the Met, you should, it's very nice.

ncanavan -
I can't tell you how many people decided not to see the Petra exhibit because of the fee they're charging. Very unusual, and not to say the museum hasn't charged for some other exhibit/s - but this particular one was unexpected. But I've seen the real thing, on a trip back in 2000 and it's amazing.

Leslie_NYC -
You will have a wonderful time in all three countries. There is no issue with American tourists, rather it is the American government and their policies. People will be very glad that you came to visit their countries and spend your USD. And since you'll be traveling through a tour operator, with a guide/driver you'll be perfectly fine.

Palmyra and Baalbek and Petra & Jerash and, and - great trip. Don't be surprised if there are no masses of tourists at the sites in Syria, a few more will be in Baalbek and lots in Petra. Not many Americans or others travel to Syria, so many of their sites are yours and yours alone (except for locals).

Just approach that part of the world as if there were no borders and no political unrest and you'll be walking thru amazing history. Do post a report when you get back.

we went to jordan and egypt april 02. the jordanian people were very gracious. the overwhelming majority of the people you will meet are anrgry at the people whose nyc bombing caused american tourists to stay away making it more difficult for them to make a living. petra is amazing! we had a driver from our hotel in petra pick us up in amman, we hired him for a side trip to wadi rum and for the return trip to amman airport. he would not take any $ from me until he dropped us off at the airport. simply amazingly.

sorry for the poor grammar my typing skills are lacking.

Hi Leslie, My husband & I just returned from Jordan two weeks ago and found the area very safe to travel to. I found the Jordanian people very hospitable. I do recommend that you take the following items with you: 1) snacks (beef jerky, nuts, peanut butter, crackers, dry fruit etc). 2)The car becomes very hot; Therefore, window shades especially for the rear window will help keep yourself from getting sunburn and cool. We spend a lot of time traveling 4-6 hours in the car and the sun was unbearable at times. I was thankful that I brought a long brim hat to wear. 3) If you drink liquor I highly recommend that you purchase your own wine, spirits, etc at duty free prior to arriving or these items can also be found at the International Airport in Amman, Jordan for a price. 4) Small currency ($1 & $5 US bills for tips).

Baalbek in Lebanon is must. But I do recommend that you dress modestly.

Safe travels.

Leslie - I traveled to Syria in May of last year, and found everyone very friendly. As a previous writer stated, most people in Syria and Jordan are able to separate Americans from the policies of our government. That said, I did also travel to Lebanon briefly with my Syrian friend and his family. People were very friendly, but I did have a woman ask me if I wasn't afraid to be an AMerican in Syria. I never felt threatened there, but the "welcome" in Syria was warmer.
Lynda