Syria Behind the Lines

Airing on PBS's Frontline series, filmmaker Olly Lambert's documentary—set in Syria's Orontes River Valley—provides uncommon access to both sides of that nation's increasingly vicious civil war, focusing primarily on two men: a 20-year-old former policeman who defected to the rebel fighters, and an Army officer who has pledged undying loyalty to the ruling Assad regime. The pair have nothing in common except the unwavering desire to see their opponents crushed in defeat. Indeed, when a United Nations–brokered truce is announced via radio, both parties are aghast that foreign interlopers have dared to meddle in their fighting. Lambert captures the inevitable human tragedies, with anguished family members crying over the bloodied corpses of their loved ones, and hastily improvised funerals for those killed in the seemingly endless rain of gunfire and shelling. One of the most harrowing scenes features an interview with teenagers at a school in the pro-Assad territory—where a number of students happily boast of their eagerness to go into military service and continue the battle against those seeking the overthrow of the regime. Syria Behind the Lines sadly suggests that any attempt to bring Syrians together in a peaceful resolution will likely fail. Offering a sobering look at an intractable situation, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)