The roots of the war in Syria began in March 2011 after a group of teenagers and children were arrested for writing political graffiti that disparaged al-Assad , who has controlled the country since July 2000 . A truce was declared between rebels and the Syrian government . Homs residents who escaped the fighting returned to their homes . Some streets were untouched ; however , cafes operate as if there was no fighting .
A truce was declared between rebels and the Syrian government . Homs residents who escaped the fighting returned to their homes . Some streets were untouched ; however , cafes operate as if there was no fighting .