Starbucks?

I’m connected to the Internet at one of Damascus’ trendy Western-style coffee houses which offer free wireless Internet access. The chain, inhouse coffee -- all lowercase -- which has no Arabic spelling of its name in its signs or logos, boasts five locations around the city.

I’m at the location in Malaki, a district of quiet, leafy streets to the west of many major embassies. The music is American, the coffee European. The menu includes an array of caramel, toffee, mocha and cinnamon flavors and any combinations thereof. Who needs Starbucks?