http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/15/world/middleeast/syria-ceasefire.html 2016-09-15 01:43:15 On Day 2 of Syria Cease-Fire, Out at Playgrounds and Protests The truce held without many notable violations in its first two days, as Syrians remained skeptical but hopeful that it might bring a more lasting respite. === BEIRUT, Lebanon — In rebel-held areas of Syria, Day 2 of a shaky cease-fire offered a rare chance to go outside. For some, that meant enjoying the simple pleasure of playing on a swing. For others, it meant protesting. But no matter, it was a change from the routine of lives in a war zone, where days were often spent cowering in fear of airstrikes. The cease-fire negotiated between Russia and the United States was supposed to allow for delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid to the divided city of Aleppo. Everything is needed: food, medicine, blankets. But United Nations officials said they had not received a guarantee of safe passage, and so truckloads of goods remained at the border with Turkey, out of reach. Diplomacy is driven by those in power — who live and work safely outside the war-torn country. But it is the people of Syria who have the most at stake, and so we wanted to hear from them. For many, the pause in the fighting was a chance to experience the routines of life that many take for granted: Taking a photograph of a friend, shopping for food. “I think both sides, the opposition and regime, are tired of this war and want to have a break,” said Read more accounts below, and see more about Abu Yaman Modar Shekho Mr. Shekho filmed the protest with his smartphone, showing a few dozen people, some carrying signs with a dark red X over the letters “U.N.” and flags of the Free Syrian Army and the rebranded Nusra Front. Hala Abdulwahab Muhammed Najdat Kaddour