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Inside the Middle East
March 3, 2009
Posted: 1309 GMT

If you ever happen to walk around the popular Hamidiyeh souk in Damascus, Syria, make sure you visit one of the lingerie shops. Their locally-designed and produced offerings might surprise you. Customers range from young wives-to-be preparing their wedding night with the help of their knowledgeable mothers, but also older women looking for ways to keep their marriage young.

A pair of battery operated novelty underwear at a shop in the popular Hamadiyeh souk in Damascus

LOUAI BESHARA/AFP/Getty Images.
LOUAI BESHARA/AFP/Getty Images.

Knickers decorated with singing canaries.

LOUAI BESHARA/AFP/Getty Images.
LOUAI BESHARA/AFP/Getty Images.

Bold and slightly racy?

LOUAI BESHARA/AFP/Getty Images.
LOUAI BESHARA/AFP/Getty Images.

A selection of honey and chocolate flavoured panties.

LOUAI BESHARA/AFP/Getty Images.
LOUAI BESHARA/AFP/Getty Images.

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Filed under: Pictures •Syria


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GLeigh   March 3rd, 2009 2:29 pm ET

Thanks for the pictures. It takes much longer now for my older computer to download this site, but we all need to understand things about each other. I thought this kind of thing was probably outlawed for whatever reason. Being from a small town in the U.S., we don't have anything like this stuff, but I know our larger cities have more. Never been to a store a like that myself. I won't even wear heels because they are uncomfortable. I told my hubby, the day he wore them, then I would. Why should I? So, perhaps thinking is good on several levels. Some women do bother.

Frosty from Nebraska   March 3rd, 2009 5:59 pm ET

Do they make them in XXXL... fertilize flavor??....

Bill   March 3rd, 2009 10:17 pm ET

That's why the Hamas leadership prefers to stay in Syria, out of harms way. There they can play with their battery-operated underwear while the Palestinians launch rockets and mortars at Israeli civilians.

World traveler   March 3rd, 2009 10:28 pm ET

at least they are not buying bomb vests.

TOM   March 3rd, 2009 11:47 pm ET

As FAR AS THE MIDDLE EAST IS CONCERNED,ISRAEL SHOULD KISS MORE BUTT.SINCE THE 6 DAY WAR.ISRAEL HAS HAD TO SUCCUMB TO WORLD PRESSURES.IF YOU WERE ROCKETED EVERY DAY,WHAT WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO PROTECT YOUR NATION.PULL THE RESATRAINTS OFF THE PEOPLE AND WHAT WOULD OCCUR.POSSIBLY PECE!!WHO IS ANYONE TO TELL ME I CAN'T RESPONED.TAKE MY RESTRAINTS OFF ME

GLeigh   March 4th, 2009 2:21 am ET

Frosty – You are bad, but funny. XXXL????

taxpayer   March 5th, 2009 4:15 pm ET

Perhaps Madame Secretary H. Clinton should wear these to please Netenyahu and Simon Peres...

Frosty from Nebraska   March 5th, 2009 6:10 pm ET

but then the canaries would have to sing.."Take a Chance on Me"...

GLeigh   March 6th, 2009 2:40 pm ET

Taxpayer – That was a cheap shot. Really cheap but not unexpected. Intelligent women scare men who are not. Dates back to the cave man I figure when man first realized they were physically stronger and women were mentally stronger. In Russia, there are more female doctors. I think Russia is very interesting. There is a stigma in the U.S. dating back to the Cold War, but they did give us a run for the money. I would love to go visit there someday. Love it. If I had my one wish, it would be to see that country for two weeks.

GLeigh   March 6th, 2009 2:42 pm ET

Frosty – you are just too funny!

GLeigh   March 6th, 2009 2:44 pm ET

In the early 1950's when we all had nukes, the old books always talk about "Russia." I love those books. I had a friend about 10 years ago, an attractive female, from Russia. We loved her accent. She was very sweet. I think it's time to move away from those old frights and like each other. I think we have for years really.

GLeigh   March 6th, 2009 5:38 pm ET

Taxpayer – at least we do understand those better who dislike peace between Gaza, Israel, and the U.S. from your post. Learning is good.

Professor   March 10th, 2009 7:34 pm ET

GLeigh,

There will never be peace between Gaza and Israel. The Peace discussions that are going on now are between Palestinians and Israelis. The US is not party to the agreement.... its only a mediator so don't try to fool everyone that this is between Gaza and Israel and the US.

GLeigh   March 11th, 2009 2:19 pm ET

Prof – I realize that this is between Gaza and Israel. I only included the U.S. because everyone seems to include them for whatever reason. I don't really care for your "never be peace" attitude. What is that about? You want the poverty and injuries and killings to continue endlessly or until someone keels over?

Professor   March 11th, 2009 9:53 pm ET

GLeigh,

I told you my comments are way above your level... and you cannot comprehend them. So, its ok if you do not respond back to me becuase I understand where you are coming from.

Gaza is not an entity that will be negotiating peace with Israel. Peace need to be established between Palestine and Israel... between the Palestinians and the Israelis.... get it now?

GLeigh   March 12th, 2009 1:06 pm ET

Prof – You are "way above" my level how? I "comprehend" about everything so far in my fifty years. So, in your world, Gaza is not the issue. Forget the poverty there, the injuries, whatever. "Palestinians" are the issue. Who are the Palestinians? There is no Palestinian country or entity that I've been able to pinpoint. Who, exactly and factually, are you now referring to – and what needs to be done to conduct peace meetings with Israel and this group? I'm unclear. Gaza is not your concern; I get that much. The rest is confusing. I really thought that peace negotations were between these two neighbors, Gaza and Israel, and helping each other to move forward. Who else is involved? Who are the Palestinians who should also be involved? Where? How are they all contacted and who represents them? Who are their leaders?

Professor   March 12th, 2009 9:56 pm ET

GLeigh,

Have you heard of the Palestinian Authority?... Have you heard of the PLO?

Do you know where is the Palestinian Authority Headquartered?... its not in Gaza.... its in Ramallah.... do you know where is Ramallah?

Tomio   August 17th, 2012 10:20 pm ET

Thank you sir ! I am delighted to read the Information about our soohcl and Ghandruk. I hope that you will give further general information.My heartfelt thanks to you for your hard work towards our village and as well as soohcl. yours faithfully former student:Ram Bahadur Gurung/2046 From. ENGLAND READING


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