Fragile Normalcy in the Shadow of War The streets of Damascus are once again filled with shoppers, cafes crowded with Syrians watching World Cup matches through the night, and children roller skating on the grounds of a government sports complex.
These scenes of normalcy have been a welcome respite from the war that ravaged Syria for nearly 14 years.
In Damascus, boys kicked soccer balls around al Hatab Square, oblivious to the history etched on its limestone slabs.