The border crossing between Syria and Lebanon was frantic on Tuesday, as it had been for many months. But, unusually, amid the hordes of people at passport control on the Lebanese side of the Masnaa crossing were queues of well-heeled Syrians – types not often on the move even well into this third year of war.
Well dressed, with front-of-the-line privileges, for them the crossing was far simpler than for the crowds standing behind.
"Some even use the military lane," said a Lebanese border guard, referring to the fast "no-questions" route open to VIPs, from either side, and to Hezbollah.
Rumours of an imminent air attack launched by Britain, the US, France and even Turkey is all around the Syrian capital, Damascus, those crossing the border said. So too is a sense that this time, Syria's foes are not bluffing.
Among those leaving for the relative safety of Lebanon was Salah Abur Rahman, a businessman from Damascus who had lately done very little trade and feared that the rumble of an approaching attack was not about to change that.
"My family have been in Lebanon for a long time, but it's time for me to go as well," he said. "Whatever is coming is going to do a lot of damage, one way or another."
The Masnaa main crossing has remained open since Syria's troubles began in 2011 and has been one of the few remaining outlets for Damascenes seeking respite in Lebanon or beyond.
Much of the middle class of the Syrian capital has gradually left as the war has ground on. But now it is the elite that is quitting. Several well-known businessmen who crossed the border on Monday said they planned to ride out any air strikes in the Lebanese mountains. » | Martin Chulov in Beirut, and Mona Mahmood | Tuesday, August 27, 2013
