I guess everyone looks at this differently. For me Syria and Lebanon were winter holiday destinations, up until only a few months before all hell broke loose there.
Seeing the news about these places nowadays is just odd, i visited places like palmyra and even deir-er-zor not -that- long ago and they were pretty friendly, accessible and good tourist spots.
I just wonder what will remain after war clears over. Sometimes the difference is remarkably small, for example in egypt that is visited when still under Mubarak rule and a year or two after his fall.
One thing i do remember is the difference in the number of tourists though. On the first visit under mubarak the place was packed, with hundreds or thousands visiting Giza every day. After there were only dozens even at giza, and less popular but evenly interesting places like Dashur were basically private visits.
It seems things are going the right way around there finally, and you may be able to stroll around (what is left of) palmyra and such again soon. Once safe i recommend doing so, perhaps you'll run into me there