these are people who have never taken a side in this war, but like mustafa al muhandez they want it to be over. do you think this is the best way to solve the problems of syria. the country has been flattened. >> i can't lie the situation is terrible he tells us. but there is no other way. it has to be done. it is the civilians who have borne the brunt of the syrian and russian bombs and in a food and shelter from the same russian military who has been destroying their homes. then there are the children who have grown up in the war. 13-year-old amal told me how she stopped going to school two years ago when a shell landed in the distance. she barely flinches. >> reporter: did you hear that explosion? >> i did. >> reporter: does it bother you? >> all too familiar to worry about. >> no. >> reporter: amidst all this pain there was one moment of joy that stood out, mohammad dahman cannot contain himself. this is the first time he has seen his mother. zulia in five years. my soul, she sobs. you are everything to me, my son. and another son joins in. it has been five years since the war divi