America and Syria

I'm continually fascinated with the Syrian perception of the US. Or, maybe baffled is the right word. People seem to be very familiar with American culture, and there are references to American places all the time.  

I saw this lying on the street in Qamishli. 

Many of the stores sell Western clothes, and have strange 

English names. Not exactly what I was expecting.  

American food also seems to be a popular choice

...or something resembling American food.