Syrian Army Shows Signs of Strain

Drawn-out fighting appears to be sapping morale

Syrian army forces bombarding rebel foes in Aleppo may have sound reasons for delaying the expected next stage of their campaign to take Syria's largest city—an infantry advance that would test the mettle of their front line troops.

But while President Bashar al-Assad's forces command the skies and have an overwhelming advantage in armor, artillery and troops, faltering morale could be offsetting the army's superior firepower.