he asked . Gunfire echoing across Damascus underscores a turning point of sorts . The Syrian government has been fighting for more than two years to crush the rebellion against President Bashar al-Assad, who is backed by Russia and Iran. Damascus and the country 's economic capital , Aleppo , have seen armed clashes . They 've also seen peaceful protests including strikes by shopkeepers .
Gunfire echoing across Damascus underscores a turning point of sorts . The Syrian government has been fighting for more than two years to crush the rebellion against President Bashar al-Assad, who is backed by Russia and Iran. Damascus and the country 's economic capital , Aleppo , have seen armed clashes . They 've also seen peaceful protests including strikes by shopkeepers .