Ep 3. Syria Undercover

Frontline season 30, episode 3, titled "Syria Undercover," recounts the conflict in Syria from the perspective of an undercover rebel group fighting against Bashar al-Assad's regime. The episode starts in 2011, at the beginning of the Syrian civil war. As protesters took to the streets in Homs, the government responded with a brutal crackdown. Soldiers executed people in the street, and civilian homes were shelled as the government tried to maintain control.

As the violence escalated, a group of Syrian activists decided to take up arms. They formed a rebel group known as "The Movement," dedicated to overthrowing the Assad regime and establishing democracy in Syria. They smuggled weapons and supplies into the country and launched attacks on government forces, hoping to inspire other Syrians to join their cause.

The episode follows one member of The Movement, a man known as "Abu Basir." Abu Basir is a former engineer who put his life on hold to fight for his country. He wears a mask to avoid detection and rarely speaks, as anyone who reveals their identity to the government risks arrest and torture.

Abu Basir takes the viewer on a tour of rebel-held territory, showing the rebels' makeshift hospitals, schools, and media centers. He explains how the group functions, with the majority of the fighters being civilians who took up arms to defend their families and homes. He also acknowledges the severe challenges of fighting a government with superior firepower and resources, such as the constant threat of air strikes and the difficulty of coordinating attacks.

As the episode progresses, Abu Basir describes the many atrocities committed by the Assad regime, including the use of chemical weapons and the intentional targeting of civilians. He shows the viewer footage of bombed-out buildings and interviews survivors of government attacks.

The Movement's ultimate goal is to overthrow the Assad regime and establish democracy in Syria. However, the group faces many challenges in achieving that goal. Not only do they have to fight the government, but they also have to navigate the complex web of alliances between rebel groups, and avoid being targeted by extremist groups like ISIS.

Throughout the episode, the viewer gets a sense of the incredible bravery and sacrifice of the rebels fighting for a better Syria. Despite the enormous risks, the members of The Movement continue to fight for their cause, hopeful that they can make a difference.

"Syria Undercover" is a heartbreaking and powerful portrayal of the Syrian conflict, seen through the eyes of those who fought it. The episode provides a glimpse into the lives of ordinary Syrians caught up in the conflict, and the courageous individuals who choose to fight for their freedom. It is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the complexity of the Syrian conflict and the people caught in the middle.