A View of Syria, Under Government Crackdown

The upper ranks of the Syrian military has been largely loyal. Photo taken Jan. 17, 2012. (E. Arrott/VOA)

Syrian security tries to quash dissent in Douma, but residents remain defiant, Jan. 14, 2012. (E. Arrott/VOA)

The funeral procession of Syrian General Mohammed al Awad Jan. 17, killed in Damascus on Monday. (E. Arrott/VOA)

In Damascus, the father (center) of a Syrian general killed in the unrest, Jan. 17, 2012 (E. Arrott/VOA)

Hunkering down: a poster of Syria's president at a checkpoint on the outskirts of Damascus, Jan. 14 2012. (E. Arrott/VOA)

The markets of Old Damascus remain busy, despite the unrest close by, Jan. 18, 2012. (E. Arrott/VOA)

Anti-riot police in central Damascus, Jan. 16, 2012. (E. Arrott/VOA)

Checkpoint at Damascus' edge; the capital is ringed by restive towns. Jan. 14, 2012. (E. Arrott/VOA)

Christians and Muslims at a meeting with Arab League monitors in Damascus, Jan. 17, 2012. (E. Arrott/VOA)

Arab League monitors tour police operations, in a mission criticized as largely ineffective. Damascus, Jan. 15, 2012. (E. Arrott/VOA)

A tribute to Basil Al Assad, the president's brother and the son first groomed to take over from his father. In Damascus, Jan. 17, 2012. (E. Arrott/VOA)

Pro-government singer Rami Kazour prepares for a rally in Damascus, Jan. 14, 2012. (E. Arrott/VOA)

Women in Douma, where daytime is fairly calm, but nighttime brings fear. Jan. 14 2012. (E. Arrott/VOA)