i spoke earlier today to rebel leader, general salim idris.ype from inside syria. >> general, thank you for joining us. i want to start by asking you for you reaction to this new u.s.-russia brokered deal that caused for the seizure and destruction of chemical weapons. >> there is a wartime and there is a criminal regime. there is a -- of president and other than that, we think now that there is a very little chance for that. what we can say, the syrian people, on behalf of the syrian people and the revolutionary forces that we are very frustrated because of somewhat going on and -- because of what is going on and the international community is not caring any more about the victims. >> president obama said a few weeks ago that he would send arms to help you. have you received those arms? >> we are receiving now many kinds of support from our american friends. but i can't talk in media about military support. you excuse me please. you know this is very particular and i can't talk about it. >> the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff said he di

that was disputed by general salim idris, who commands the main rebel faction.told npr that u.s. assistance has been limited to food and medical materials, as well as flak jackets and communications gear. so, can the u.s. and russia- who have been at loggerheads for years over syria come to an agreement? for answers, i'm joined by angela stent - director of the center for eurasian, russian and east european studies at georgetown university. she has served in the state department and at the national intelligence council. and andranik migranyan is the director of the institute for democracy and cooperation, a non-governmental organization- that has close ties to russia's leadership. welcome to you both to both to the "newshour." angela stent to you first. why are the russians deciding to get involved in this after all these years? >> i think president putin has seen a major opportunity. for 20 years russia has complained or tried to block what the u.s. did, or went along and said they didn't have an opportunity to shaipt agenda. they have an opportunity now. there

. >> general salim idris, i know you're busy.ck back with you tomorrow and throughout this week to get your firsthand account of what's going on, joining us via skype from northern syria. just ahead, our special report crisis in syria will continue as the president makes the case for military action, the decision now remains in the hands of the united states congress. does he have the votes he needs? i'll speak with two key lawmakers. plus strong words from the pope. [ male announcer ] these days, a small business can save by sharing. like carpools... polly wants to know if we can pick her up. yeah, we can make room. yeah. [ male announcer ] ...office space. yes, we're loving this communal seating. it's great. [ male announcer ] the best thing to share? a data plan. at&t mobile share for business. one bucket of data for everyone on the plan, unlimited talk and text on smart phones. now, everyone's in the spirit of sharing. hey, can i borrow your boat this weekend? no. [ male announcer ] share more. save more. at&t mobile share fo