Hawr al ‘Anz, United Arab Emirates

With a population of 84,661, Hawr al 'Anz is no sleepy backwater. The reality is that bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the town's history of rebellion and instability under the Syrian government. The fortress has changed hands multiple times during the civil war, with rebel groups and the army vying for control. While the picturesque setting along the Orontes River has its charms, this is not a place for the faint of heart. Hawr al 'Anz is best suited for those with a high tolerance for uncertainty and the resilience to navigate its complex political landscape.