But a visit to this restive city is a reminder not only of the many fronts of the war, but also of its many complexities.
It was the fiercest fighting the restive northern city has seen in weeks.
The road from Damascus to Hama goes around the even more restive city of Homs, where journalists are not allowed to venture.
The ayatollah advocates following "a peaceful means of settling the security situation and restoring peace in the restive cities," said the cleric, Ahmed al-Safi.
She also spent time embedded with the U.S. military in Iraq, most notably in the restive city of Baqubah.
This was the reaction in the restive city of Hama.
The American military would train new Iraqi security forces that would help police Baghdad and even restive cities like Falluja.
Homs became one of the most restive cities in Syria, with some activists labeling it the "Capital of the Revolution".
It also barred public assembly in three other restive cities, including Tirana, the capital.
Separately, American forces engaged in a fierce battle overnight with militants in the restive western city of Ramadi.