life is starting to emerge once again. thousands have returned to former battle zone neighborhoods, many relying on aid donations to get by. "we came to this neighborhood just as residents were rushing to get bread handouts. most people who return are in bad need of almost everything, the local head of this ngo says. many come back and find that their homes are reduced to just walls and ceilings. we help them as much as we can. some stores are also reopening and market vendors coming back. this area was once held by rebels. some fear reprisals if they return. all the people we met were vocal supporters of the government and its russian backers. "the russians are our friends," this man says. "they are honest with us as we are honest with them. bashar al assad and the russians