Now, a road climbs steadily into the great Hajar Mountains that stretch for more than 300 miles, reaching 3, 000 metres at its highest point.

BBC: Oman��s sleepy Musandam Peninsula

Hajar, a 19-year-old student from France, is firmly against the idea.

BBC: Pupils come from across Europe to attend the Institute

Our correspondent says another incident likely to fuel sectarian tensions has been reported on Facebook - the desecration of a shrine near Damascus for a revered figure among Shia, Hajar ibn Adi.

BBC: Syria conflict: 'Dozens executed' in village