A year of violence since Syria uprising began
It is a year since a violent uprising began in Syria against President Bashar Assad.
In that time the UN says 8,000 people have been killed and more than 200,000 have been forced to flee their homes.
Despite widespread condemnation internationally, the regime has continued its crackdown on dissent and so far has shown little sign of relenting.
Italy has become the latest country to withdraw its diplomats from Damascus.
The BBC's Jon Donnison sent this report from Damascus.
15 Mar 2012