DAMASCUS: 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, told Reuters.

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 United States.

“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 United States have deteriorated since it opposed the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Washington has since accused Syria of allowing Sunni 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 Feb. 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.

“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.—Reuters