In this Sunday, July 15, 2018, photo, a bulldozer removes rubble from a destroyed complex which was destroyed during the fight between Syrian government forces and insurgents, in the town of Douma, in the eastern Ghouta region, near the Syrian capital Damascus, Syria. The celebratory mood in government-controlled areas stems from successive military advances in the past year and an impression that President Bashar Assad, with massive support by unwavering allies Russia and Iran, has won the war or at least militarily defeated the opposition trying to topple him. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) Photo Credit: AP
DAMASCUS, Syria - (AP) -- Crossing into Syria from neighboring Lebanon, visitors are greeted by giant posters of President Bashar Assad.