Embedded in Syria

We've had at least a decade of debate about the merits of embedding with military forces while covering conflicts — certainly  a major debate during the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, or perhaps since the 1990 Gulf War. The practice certainly has its drawbacks, but also offers an opportunity to do reporting from the front lines and on the combatant forces. In Syria, it offers the opportunity to get a clearer picture of who the insurgents are. These are all fine pieces and photos that would have been impossible otherwise, although I wish I could trust Fisk's reporting — who here has the merit of embedding with the Syrian army, which no doubt has attracted much misplaced criticism — after so many past disappointments. 

• Syrian Rebels Coalesce Into a Fighting Force - NYTimes.com
• With the Rebels in the Battle for Aleppo - Slide Show - NYTimes.com
• Inside Aleppo with Syrian Rebel Fighters - SPIEGEL ONLINE
• Moises Saman Photographs Syria's Descent Into Civil War : The New Yorker
• Robert Fisk: 'They snipe at us then run and hide in sewers' - The Independent