An American student in Syria sent me this (I cite with his/her permission): " im still in damascus. so apparently the cultural center and american school are still open and running, as the order for their closing has not been "carried out" yet! ha. there was a masira in the city center today, but it didnt seem to last that long and seemed pretty staged. also i went to renew my visa today (wonderful timing) and it went even faster than normal, no problems or trouble. the govt is so wonderfully distinguishing between the citizens and the govt of the US. still some americans were "afraid" and did not go out today."