"There are snipers shooting at anyone on the road, and landmines in the fields. Checkpoints stop everything coming in– food, medicine, fuel; everything needed for life."
With airstrikes down sharply amid the ceasefire, Syrians in opposition areas are going to school, visiting friends and relatives — and holding anti-government protests.
The Free Syrian Army was a key player in the early days of the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad. But many members are now feeling lost in a war that's become a morass of factions.
But the main opposition umbrella groups is accusing the Syrian regime of repeatedly violating the truce. The U.N., meanwhile, is rushing to bring aid into besieged areas.
Reporter James Harkin traveled through war-torn Syria to witness how many historical treasures were destroyed - and how some people are scrambling to save what's left.
The truce, which falls short of a cease-fire, appears to have been observed by most parties. But the Islamic State, not included in the agreement, launched a new attack in northern Syria.
Recent fighting in northern Syria has been pushing more and more civilians to seek shelter elsewhere. But neighboring Turkey, already burdened with 2.6 million refugees, has locked down its border.
But it's unclear whether the various sides agree to all the terms. Many rebels are skeptical that the truce will have any effect on Syria's raging 5-year-old war.
In an interview with NPR's Mary Louise Kelly, CIA Director John Brennan discusses the FBI/Apple dispute over over the San Bernardino shooter's iPhone, the state of ISIS and al-Qaida and interrogation.