Krak

*Apologies for 'cheating' with another Syrian back blip. Not a chance of getting a live one today*

I love the story of Krak des Chevaliers. Built by the Crusaders in the 12th century, it famously held off the armies of Arab forces, even a siege by the mighty Saladin in 1188. In the end, the castle fell to a cunning trick. In 1271, Baibars Mamluk, Sultan of Egypt, managed to take the fortress after sending a forged letter to the defenders in the name of their master and commander in Tripoli ordering them to surrender the castle.

So it is particularly poignant that this symbol of resistance has sustained heavy damage from shelling by Assad's forces. TE Lawrence once described Krak as "perhaps the best preserved and most wholly admirable castle in the world". I hope that that remains the case.