Annan applauded the Security Council's decision on the monitoring mission, saying it is a pivotal moment for stabilizing Syria.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

For the moment, Falintil is a stabilizing force in the shell-shocked territory - although it turns rough at times.

CNN: We Won . . . So Now What?

When your reaction is "that such a thing is not fully armored", or "we can't fund them having that much technology", please pause for a moment and think of our soldiers walking the narrow streets, stabilizing neighborhoods, interfacing with people, but with our enemy adapting and seeking our vulnerabilities here.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: The power of Jake