Breadlines and piles of rubbish on streets of Aleppo
The United States has recognised the Syrian opposition as the sole legitimate representative of the Syrian people.
President Obama told ABC News that the US has decided the Syrian Opposition Coalition is now inclusive, reflective and representative enough of the Syrian population.
Meanwhile, in Aleppo, people have returned to the streets - but the scars of civil war can be seen in the piles of rubbish and long queues to buy bread.
The BBC's Ian Pannell reports.
12 Dec 2012