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In Assad's hometown, few shared in his family's fortune. They hope they won't share in his downfall

ABC News
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In Assad 's hometown, few shared in his family's fortune.

While the Assads lived in luxury, most Qardaha residents survived on manual labor, low-level civil service jobs.

Many sent their sons to serve in the army, not out of loyalty to the government but because they had no other option.

Residents say several thousand young army recruits from Qardaha have gone missing.

Some later turned up on lists of former soldiers being held at a detention center in Hama .

Questions loomed about the fate of the area's sons who had served in Assad 's army.

Syria 's new authorities have set up “reconciliation centers” around the country where former soldiers can register.