beirut as the region prepares for possible u.s. strikes on syria. this as russia promises to shoot down any u.s. missiles that are fired there. first, just a reminder about syria. american troops are on the ground there right now. there are approximately 2,000 americans serving there providing support to local militias that are battling the remnants of isis. since the war began, there are now 5.4 million syrian refugees. 6.1 million syrians are internality displaced. in the country but not in their homes. 13.1 million syrians are in need of humanitarian aid. nearly half a million syrians are dead. you're watching velshi and ruhle live on msnbc.