Via the New York Times –  Syria’s Paradox: Why the War Only Ever Seems to Get Worse. ” The average [civil war] now lasts about a decade, twice as long as Syria’s so far. But there are a handful of factors that can make them longer, more violent and harder to stop. Virtually all are present in Syria….” and Scenes on a road trip from Damascus to Aleppo. Photos and video taken by New York Times Cairo Bureau Chief, Declan Walsh.

• See also – The Syrian Civil War: Backgrounder.  Who is fighting who, who is supporting who, and The Syrian Civil War Map: “Syrian Civil War Map / Live Map of the Syrian Civil War – Recent Gains and Losses, Information about all War Factions and other Information of the Civil War.”