Life in Damascus and Surrounding Areas

DAMASCUS, SYRIA - SEPTEMBER 18: Hadi Shaban is reluctant to leave for his first day of school as his mother Rama Hamdi tries to coax him along. His sister Aya Shaban watches. Tuesday was the first day of school for some of the students in Syria. Even in the peaceful parts of Damascus the routine has been disrupted. Students are going to schools closer to their home since the roads are insecure after dark. Some schools are running two schools in the same building, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Even in the secure neighborhood of Mezzah low thud of shells being fired nearby can be heard. (David Degner/Getty Images)