GHAITH ABDUL-AHAD: We are being smuggled into Aleppo by rebels and activists. Abu Bakri said, God willing, he'd see him on the front line in two days. NARRATOR: Ghaith continued his journey into Aleppo. That was me until the revolution started. NARRATOR: Abu Bakri never expected to be a rebel commander.ĪBU BAKRI: I had finished compulsory military service in 2006 and went on to study economics at the University of Aleppo. We have retreated to create a second defensive line so we can counterattack. Their commander, Abu Bakri, said they now controlled half the city but that government forces were advancing.ĪBU BAKRI: The day before yesterday, there was increased shelling and mortar fire, air attacks. They call themselves the Free Syrian Army. Fighters had just arrived fresh from battle. NARRATOR: By dawn, Ghaith had reached a rebel staging post just a few miles outside of Aleppo. Through the battle of Aleppo we can see the future of the Syrian revolution. GHAITH ABDUL-AHAD: This is the most important battle in Syria. NARRATOR: Ghaith was on his way to meet up with the rebels who were fighting in Syria's biggest city and commercial hub, Aleppo. GHAITH ABDUL-AHAD: As we're driving, we see another car coming our way, people crossing back into Turkey, refugees. Every night, the supply route is attacked by his regime's aircraft and helicopters. NARRATOR: The rebels are fighting to overthrow President Bashar al Assad. GHAITH ABDUL-AHAD, The Guardian: This is all liberated territory at the moment. NARRATOR: Guardian reporter Ghaith Abdul-Ahad's journey into Syria began five weeks ago, on a supply route the rebels use to bring weapons from neighboring Turkey. RANDA SLIM, Middle East Institute: There is definitely increasing worry in the United States administration about in whose hands these weapons are falling.ĪNNOUNCER: These two stories on this special edition of FRONTLINE. MURHAF JOUEJATI, Syrian National Council: The regime now is bombarding civilian neighborhoods with artillery, with tank fire and with fighter-bombers.ĪNNOUNCER: How is President Bashar al Assad holding onto power?ĪUSAMA MONAJED, Syrian Opposition: The Iranians are gaining influence in Syria now by the day.ĪNNOUNCER: And what will happen if Assad falls?
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