In-depth: Moscow appears to be in the process of coaxing some rebel factions to fight both the Nusra Front and Islamic State, in return for being spared by Russian airstrikes.
The situation is so dire in this rebel-held, regime-besieged town of the Damascus countryside, that children are protesting near regime checkpoints, begging soldiers for food and medicine.
Southern Damascus neighbourhoods have seen an outbreak of several types of fever due to water contamination and residents are relying on hand dug wells.
Damascus is reportedly angered by Russian "interference" in Syrian affairs, and the opposition is sceptical about Assad's commitment to finding a political solution.
