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Syria has been a dangerous place for journalists since the government began cracking down on Arab Spring demonstrations last year. Long Island native and veteran war reporter Marie Colvin died on Wednesday when an artillery shell hit a makeshift press center in Homs. French photographer Remy Ochlik died along side her. Homs has been under heavy fire from government forces. Several injured reporters are still trapped in the besieged city.

NPR’s Middle East correspondent Deborah Amos just made a safe return from 6 weeks reporting on the conflict from Lebanon and Morocco. She was also in Syria for 5 days this fall.

BY LEANNA ORR