Sky News Reports From Trouble-Hit Syria

Walking through the streets of Damascus, the oldest continually inhabited city on earth, it's sometimes hard to believe there's a crisis in this ancient country.

The souks are still a bustle of colour and commerce. The weekend shoppers seem more intent on a bargain than a battle and most still have time for a smile and a chat with a visitor.

Though some tend to shy away from talk of politics and protests.

Yet this city which has stood the test of time for 5000 years and seen so many civilisations come and go, is witnessing another great challenge - for the very future of Syria .

On Friday the violence reached the suburbs of the capital, with reports of up to eight fatalities.

The government's efforts to control and quell more than 100 days of opposition through their military might have clearly not succeeded.

It's almost impossible to gauge the strength of the movement. Pro-democracy activists
claim more Syrians are supporting them every day and the tipping point will soon be reached.

In contrast, those loyal to President Assad suggest the opposition amounts to no more than one per cent of the population.

They tend to dismiss those who call for the ouster of Assad as armed thugs and extremists.

Between the two elements, there seems to be, as always, a silent majority unsure what to make of the struggle for Syrian's soul.

Most Damascene I've talked to are anxious about the violence and the potential for instability.

They say they'd like to see some changes, economic reforms and greater political freedoms, but they're clearly concerned at the cost of change.

What they fear most is a descent into civil and sectarian war.

:: Further evidence has emerged of the violent tactics being used to suppress anti-government protests in Syria.