Frontline Season 34 Episode 2
Frontline
Season 34

Ep 2. Inside Assad's Syria

  • TV-NR
  • October 27, 2015
  • 53 min
  • 7.6  (56)

"Inside Assad's Syria", the second episode of the 34th season of "Frontline", takes viewers on a journey through the war-torn country of Syria, providing an unprecedented inside look into life under President Bashar al-Assad's regime.

For years, the world has watched as Syria has descended into chaos and destruction. Millions of Syrians have been displaced, countless lives have been lost, and the horrors of war have become all too familiar to those living in the country. But what is daily life really like for those who remain in the midst of the conflict?

"Inside Assad's Syria" provides a rare glimpse into this reality. Journalist Martin Smith, who has reported on the Syrian conflict for years, returns to the country to uncover the range of experiences and perspectives of Syrians living under Assad's rule. Through interviews with Syrians from all walks of life, including government officials, rebels, journalists, and ordinary citizens, Smith sheds light on the complex and often contradictory forces at work in Syria today.

The episode begins with an overview of the current state of the Syrian conflict, including the various factions fighting for control of the country and the international powers involved in the conflict. From there, Smith delves into the lives of those on the ground, starting with a visit to the capital of Damascus. Here, he meets with government officials, who argue that the Syrian government is fighting a legitimate war against terrorism and that the country is safer under Assad's rule.

However, not everyone in Damascus shares this perspective. Smith also speaks with ordinary Syrians who have endured bombings, food shortages, and other hardships, many of whom express deep distrust and resentment toward the government and its methods.

Moving beyond Damascus, Smith visits a range of other Syrian cities and towns, including Homs, Aleppo, and Idlib. In these places, he meets with rebels, journalists, and others who are trying to make sense of the conflict and its effects on everyday life. Through their stories, Smith reveals the stark realities of living in a war zone, including the difficulties of finding food, water, and medical care; the fear of random bombings; and the challenges of rebuilding after years of destruction.

Throughout the episode, Smith also grapples with deeper questions about the conflict and its aftermath. What will it take to bring peace to Syria? How can the international community best support those who live there? And what will be the lasting legacy of this brutal and complex war?

"Inside Assad's Syria" offers few easy answers to these questions. Instead, it provides a deeply humanistic portrait of a country and a people living in the midst of extraordinary turmoil. Through its nuanced and compassionate reporting, the episode invites viewers to see the conflict in a new light, not just as a distant tragedy but as a complex and ongoing struggle that continues to shape the lives of millions of people in Syria and beyond.

Description
Watch Frontline - Inside Assad's Syria (s34 e2) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
Frontline, Season 34 Episode 2, is available to watch and stream on PBS. You can also buy, rent Frontline on demand at Amazon, Google Play online.
  • First Aired
    October 27, 2015
  • Content Rating
    TV-NR
  • Runtime
    53 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.6  (56)