the internet service in parts of the country. u.s. state department said rebels had been provided with equipment that could operate independently of the syrian network. >> rebels continue to press for international assistance; particularly, from the united states but say they need real military hardware, not cosmetic assistance to defeat president assad in his regime. bret? >> bret: connor powell in the middle east newsroom. thank you. the question of just how safe americans diplomatic outposts are overseas came up for discussion today. on capitol hill. that plays to concerns by some republicans about the expected nomination of united nations ambassador susan rice. for secretary of state. chief intelligence correspondent catherine herridge connects the dots. >> at high risk sites including the benj consulate the internal state department reported 2009 recorded physical barriers like this one to prevent the overrunning of the diplomatic facility. closed hearing before the senate homeland security committee, witnesses testified the changes were never made in