Syria: The story of the conflict.

The uprising has its roots in protests that erupted in March 2011 in the southern city of Deraa after the arrest and torture of some teenagers who painted revolutionary slogans on a school wall. After security forces opened fire on demonstrators, killing several, more took to the streets.
The unrest triggered nationwide protests demanding President Bashar al-Assad's resignation as shown in this video report from May 2011. By July 2011, hundreds of thousands were taking to the streets in towns and cities across the country.
The UN has accused security forces and pro-government Shabiha militiamen of deliberately targeting civilians - violating international humanitarian law.
One incident which caused international outcry was the killing of 108 people, including 49 children, near Houla, in May 2012. Witnesses said the victims were shot in their homes after the village was shelled in response to an anti-government demonstration. The government blamed "terrorists", but a UN inquiry said loyalist forces were likely responsible. Independent verification of such reports is very difficult.