"They only don't want chemical weapons to be used against Israel but I know, and everyone here knows, that if they were used against Syrians, nothing will happen and no threats will come true."

In Damascus, Leena remains optimistic about an impending rebel victory -- but she admits that the nearly two-year-long road to revolution has changed her and others risking their lives for a new Syria.

Back then, they were idealists, beginner revolutionaries.

"You want your freedom, democracy, better healthcare, work, education," she said. "We wanted dignity."

She loved her life before, but she is going to love it even more when the rebels win.

Because they will win, she insists. Soon.

"Haven't we shown that?" she asked. "Doesn't the world understand that by now?"