Looking for Least Westernised, but Safe Country!

As far as westerinsation goes, I'd say Jordan is the least westernized among the three mentioned. It still is a lot more western that some of the Gulf states (e.g. Oman, Kuwait).
Jordan has Petra but other than that there isn't too much in terms of sites (maybe also Jerash & the Dead Sea).
Syria has more to offer in terms of sights, but is even more western (albeit still not really western like Israel).
Iran is a strange mix. In some ways its the most western of all ME countries (excluding Israel), while in others it is very different.

In terms of friendliness I'd say Iran has it by far. It's very much off the beaten track and get the least tourists.

Syria more Western than Jordan? Really????

Some areas of Iran, especially Tehran are actually very "Westernized"...

But you can easily find exactly what you are looking for, outside of the large cities.

Iran is a very large country with alot of contrast in different areas.

The country is safe, travel from place to place is easy, and the prices are cheap (western standards)

Most Persian people are truly hospitable and freindly

Have Fun...

Of the three countries you list my order of preference would be Syria, Iran then Jordan. The latter I found quite dull when I was there. Another v interesting place is Oman. Little travelled, culturally rich, very safe, a bit more expensive to get around in but with dramatic coastline, mountain ranges and desert.

C'mon you guys - Jordan is the best place . .

Its got the Dead Sea (Lowest point on earth)
The Baptism site of Jesus officially inaugurated by Pope John Paul in 2000
Mount Nebo and Madaba mosaics
Mukawir where John the Baptist lost his head
Wadi Rum - fabulous desert and famous for Lawrence of Arabia fame
Petra one of the wonders of the world
Jerash one of the Roman Decapolis cities and really excellent
Um Qais overlooking the Sea of Galilee
Azraq desert castles
Karak and Ajloun castles
Aqaba - seaside town
Wadi Mujib if you like off the beaten track
Hammamet Ma'in hot spa

Very culturally diverse with a mix of modern and traditional.

Sorry George I think Jordan is way more modern than Syria

Jordan is a safe and friendly country without the hassles of the
usual harrassing for money.

Sorry George I think Jordan is way more modern than Syria

Modern yes, definately. But western ? Ok, there isn't a huge difference between the two, but Syria seems a bit more western (culturally speaking). Maybe it's because many things are so similar to here in Cyprus. The food, the way people look... Jordan is still quite western but doesn't quite have that feeling of "in many ways similar to home".

What are you people harping on about "WESTERN" for??!? Stay in the west if you want "WESTERN". You're sounding
Patronising and Paternalistic!

I can't see what's patronizing about discussing (rather than: "expressing a preference for") westernization. The bigger problem is that waar does not specify which aspects of westernization (s)he wants to avoid. Architecture? Lifestyle (of the country overall, of the urban elite)? Culture? Scenery? Visual appearance of the population? Politics? Price level?

Jordan is a safe bet for a first-time visitor, but is quite modern. Iran is fantastic if you can get in. Although regarded as an outlaw, it is in fact very safe for visitors and the population is incredibly hospitable, cultivated and polite.

But the least westernized (visually!) country in the ME by far would be Yemen. It also has some spectacular scenery. Safety... - well, probably safer than its reputation suggests, particularly if you travel by yourself.

What you are looking for is Oman!

few tourists
no harrassing
amazing landscapes
friendly people
very 'Arabian'
not 'westernised' but has good infrastructure
plenty to see