According to the Syrian Centre for Tobacco Studies (SCTS), smoking afflicts 59% of adult males and 23% of adult females in the nation.

As stated by SCTS Coordination Officer Fouad Mohammad Fouad, “It is an epidemic.”
However, this national dilemma may be soon resolved as a long-awaited smoking ban goes into effect in a few days on April 21, following its approval by President Bashar al-Assad in October 2009.

The new measure, which forbids smoking in restaurants, airports and all other public places, also specifies that Turkish pipes may not be offered to those below 18 years of age.

Health Minister Rida Said stated, “(The ban) protects the rights of non-smokers, many of whom are children, and is an important step towards reduction of smoking-related illness.”

Experts also say the new ban will improve public health, thus decreasing national health service costs. Moreover, the law is also being supported by several non-governmental institutions, including University of Kalamoon, the country’s largest, whose buildings are now all smoke-free.

Our respectful salute, Your Excellency President al-Assad and Syria, on these promising steps to safeguard public health by eliminating harmful substances as these.
Wishing the Syrian people and citizens everywhere the refreshment and tranquility of intoxicant-free lives.

http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=88808
http://gulfnews.com/news/region/syria/it-s-going-to-be-tough-to-take-a-puff-in-the-mideast-1.610649
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn18773-nicotine-tied-to-alzheimers-risk.html