military sources in turkey and jordan who then passed that information to rebels. american officials are pressing egypt also to block iranian ships from passing through the suez canal. major clashes between assad's government forces and the rebels broke out in two of the country's largest cities over the weekend. the assad regime has pushed opposition forces from parts of the capital. the rebels were overpowered by government troops and tanks. activists say at least 20 unarmed men suspected of aiding the rebels were executed. battles also raged in syria's biggest city, alepo, considered to be largely loyal to the assad regime. fighting there centered around police and intelligence headquarters. so many different moving parts here, but it sounds like we're getting some collective actions slowly. wes? >> it is. and not only is it ability about time but people starting to realize the political and financial futures are being aligned on this as well.