Rabih Dagher

In preparation for a world record attempt, the 51 year old Syrian free fighting champion Jamal Koukeh is practicing smashing concrete blocks with his legs. As part of his public demonstration, he also broke blocks with his hands using an upturned machete. For a finale, he placed a pair of swords in his mouth before being hit with a sledgehammer.

Watch him in the video below:

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

In Damascus, Syria, Khaled Dadouh does crazy things like piercing his skin with metal hooks and then pulling a car. He claims that we can overcome impossible obstacles through sport, as long as we have faith. Not only that, Khaled claims anyone can do this.

Watch the video of Khaled below:

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

The skyline of the Syrian capital is changing, with tower blocks being replaced by new office buildings and malls. Damascus is also slowly opening up to private investment and encouraging an influx of entrepreneurs.

The BBC’s Lina Sinjab has met Abdulsalam Haykal, who runs a number of private businesses, and is one of many Syrians to return to do business at home.

Get the Flash Player to see this player.