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Source: http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2012/al-monitor/did-assad-win-the-first-round-in.html
Did Assad Win the First Round in the Battle for Damascus?
(Al-Monitor) Layla M. - The assassination of members of the regime's upper echelons and simultaneous penetration and control of districts in Damascus raised hopes that an end to the Syrian crisis was near. However, the Free Syrian Army failed to decapitate the regime and didn't receive much-needed reinforcements. It was therefore unable to withstand the overwhelming might of the regime's continued onslaught, and the rebels withdrew fighters from several areas. Judging by the FSA's retreat from Midan, a staunchly anti-regime district in southern Damascus, and their failure to stop regime forces from devastating Mezzeh, Kafr Souseh, Berzeh, Tadamon, and many others, it looks like the FSA still has its work cut out for it if it is to "win" Damascus. State television showed footage of young, fresh-faced soldiers joyously recounting their success at having "cleansed" Midan of "armed terrorists." However, on a drive through Midan, devastation was everywhere: bullet-ridden doors and shutters, collapsed buildings, burnt houses, crumpled cars and smashed windows.