Insight for Sunday 8 April 2012
It's a year since the uprising began against the government of President Bashir al Assad in Syria.
But now a ceasefire is due to take effect in a matter of days.
The United Nations and the Arab League have negotiated the peace plan.
But over the last year, neighbouring nations have had an influence with the Gulf States, especially Saudi Arabia and Qatar, supporting the rebels.
Iran and its allied Lebanese force, Hezbollah, are backing the Syrian regime.
The BBC examines how the future of the ruling Assads could also shape the future of the region.
Picture by FreedomHouse via Flickr.
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