In the United States tribal pot, a group of native americans in Washington State has opened up a Marijuana Store and now other tribes want in on the action. We begin tonight with a major diplomatic break through between india and apakistan. A short time ago indias Prime Minister made a previously unannounced visit to lahorre pakistan to meet with that countrys Prime Minister at his home. The leaders metaphor two hours and talked about improving ties. Indias Prime Minister also reportedly blasted the pakistanis granddaughter on her upcoming wedding. Reporter neighbors not friends is perhaps how the relationship between these two nations could be described. This was not only a surprise visit by an indian Prime Minister to pakistan but an historic one. No indian head of government has visited the neighbouring country in more than a decade. Back home in india one of modis political allies see this as a political moment. The have translation the Prime Minister said if pakistan takes a step further, then india was ready to take two steps forward. The steps taken must become because if it will improve, it will build nations and the world. Reporter thats a large task for a rivalry that has gone back to the days of independence. Three wars have been fought since they were split back into two countries in 1947. Two of the conflicts were about a region which they both claimed ownership to. Not all india politicians think this meeting arranged at short notice is a good idea. If the decision is not preposterous, then it is utterly ridiculous. You do not conduct diplomacy at the apex level in such a cavalier manner. Reporter that conceptism isnt unexpected considering the history of distrust, but the two leaders looked relaxed enough at the residence of the president. The building has been deck crated for his grand doors upcoming wedding in syria there has been a major setback for Opposition Forces battling the regime of Bashar Alassad. A key rebel leader was killed by an air strike. People say his death will give Bashar Alassads forces a significant boost. Reporter he was the most powerful rebel commander in damascus suburbs. His headquarters were only a few kilometres away from president Bashar Alassads palace. He was released from prison by Bashar Alassad a few months after the start of the syrian up rising. He rose to prominence in 2013 when he convinced many armed groups to form an army of more than 20,000 welltrained, unarmed fighters. A few months ago he attended a military parade. It was the biggest force by the opposition. Unlike most rebel factions with units across the country, the army of islam has one base on the outskirts of damascus, with one task, waiting for the government to colonel appears to march into collapse to march into the capital and secure it. This is where he was killed. He was meeting with military commanders. The syrian army says he was killed in an air strike carried out by a syrian fighter jet. The Syrian Opposition says the death of him may undermine the chance for internationally brokered talks between the rebels and the Syrian Government. He was not only a military commander, he was also a prominent preacher with many followers in the damascus area. With his death, the future of the arm of islam is uncertain. In 2013 the Syrian Government killed a charismatic commander. A year later many leaders were killed in idlib, the key rebel groups never recovered from the loss of their founders. He was a major figure. He was a commander in the organization built from a Small Company in 2011 to now an organization with 26 command centers, 64 battalions and between 45,000 to 50,000 fighters. Reporter this is his success successor, who has been in charge of annie lit unit an elite unit in the arm of islam. Reporter he should be remembered as a man who prevented i. S. I. L. And the alnusra front from expanding towards damascus and that his death could pave the way for i. S. I. L. And the alnusra front to launch an offensive to capture the outskirts of the capital in aleppo, syria, the populars most populated city, at least 14 people were killed in a hospital. This is not the first time the hospital has been attacked. Russian planes also bombed a nearby gas station. Many citizens are supportive and attacks in syrian have intensified after last month a russian fighter jet was shot down. Syrias civil war was a big female for pope francis today. He as many as 3 ah,000 heave gees are stucked in greece are trying to enter macedonia every day 3500. New regulations are not making life easier. Reporter tired but determined to carry on, heading into the unknown to start a new life. The border here has been tightened with new restrictions. Only iraqis, syrians and after begans are allowed in afghans are allowed in. Macedonia is next. March have escaped wars, rape and unrest. This is a town that until recently was under i. S. I. L. s control in northern iraq. Translation sinjar was cleared from i. S. I. L. But everyone there established their own authority. We decided either we live in peace or die together trying. Reporter the journey remains long and hard. Their next goal is to cross through macedonia, then to serbia and beyond. The flow of refugees crossing the borrower der to macedonia is constant. Over 3400 people went through on thursday. Some of them were subjected to ill treatment and push backs by the Macedonian Border police. Reporter volunteers it and aid groups are doing what they can to help. There is a camp with medical services, we have shelter which is covered and heated. Reporter some Greek Charities in the area are also cooperating, a group of chefs and volunteer s are preparing hot meals. If we not give people the food when they need it, were nothing for us. Reporter about 20 minutes drive from the border this gas station became a waiting point. Families rest and wait to be allowed top continue their journey. Some of them have arrived the night before. Some greek and American Protestant groups felt its time to preach. We are giving people some free magazines. Reporter handing arabic and fasi leaflets and copies of the bible. Dozens of people have their stories to tell. This is a pharmacist from syria. He says the treatment he has got here is rough. Translation weve slept in a bus, no toilets, no food. I want to live in dignity and have a better life for my children. Reporter for many here the risk is worth it. There is hope for a better and a safer future. Despite the hurdles on the way in the United States over the past four years the total number of syrians who have entered this country is about two thousand. President obama has promised to ratchet that number higher to ten thousand next year alone. Many republican governors and a few democratingics oppose the refugees efforts. Chris christie has been opposed. Paul beeben went to new jersey to get the perspective there of a syrian family who calls that state home reporter for most parents in america, children coming home from school is a precious but, perhaps, mundane moment, but these parents arent like most. Theyre Syrian Refugees and for them these mundane moments, a normal day at school, a quiet dinner are much more than precious. Theyre all they have. When you left what were you able to take with you . Translation nothing. We hurried the children to the car and we drove away. Reporter that was no more than three years ago when they in fled the city of jib lib. He idlib. She was a lawyer and she a housewife. They were prosperous and ordinary, they say, until war came to idlib and ripped that life apart. Translation where we lived was a major crash point between the opposition and the regime. We heard a blast when a shell had hit our houses wall. Reporter they moved more than once, but everywhere they went fight attack and fear followed. In september of 2012 they put the children in a car and drove to turkey. Translation every minute of every hour we were expecting to die. There was no choice but to leave. Reporter it must have been terrifying. Translation of course it was difficult, but sometimes circumstances are stronger than any decision. Reporter the family stayed in turkey for two and a half years until they applied for Refugee Status with the united nations. Six months ago the International Rescue committee helped them settle in elizabeth, new jersey. They emigrated from sir with his parents 35 years ago. He is a businessman now. Since the war began in 2011, he has been doing everything he can to help both here in the u. S. And in syrian refugee camps it is a catastrophe in syria. We spend so far about sent so far about 27 containers to syrian i cant with generators food. They were so happy. Reporter jewish eddy is helping this family. The children are doing well in school. Sixyearold who has autism is getting the help she needs. He is trying to learn english and looking for work. The family makes ends meet with u. S. Support and donations from the local syrian community. Translation our thoughts are always with family and friends left behind, but thank god we have a better life here in america. Reporter a better life despite the angry talk about muslims and refugees in the wake of the attacks in paris and california. That talk has them worried. Translation people think islam is a religion of terror, violence and blood. No. It is not like that. God willing, we will work on that. Reporter the children are already dreaming big. 11yearold wants to be a paediatrician and some day return to syria. I miss my country, but, like, i know it is better and safer here. Reporter what do you want for your children . Translation our goal is to provide them were a good education to secure a good future for them, god willing. Reporter now do you feel youre some place safe where you can rebuild and have a new life . Translation in america we feel there is justice and we feel we can improve our lives. God willing, we hope things will get better. Reporter they arent alone. On sunday evening they joined other refugees families at an Islamic Cultural Center in northern new jersey. Translation of course, i miss my country, but thank god we made sure our kids are safe. Reporter theyre all struggling, but all grateful to be anywhere but syria there was a large gas explosion yesterday in southeastern nigeria and officials now report that as many as 100 people may have been killed. Thursdays blast happened as a truck was filling up tanks of butane. The exexplosion sparked a fire that burned for more than five hours. Bodies were brunts beyond recognition. It also damaged homes. In the southern United States this has been an somber communities with tornadoes. A Group Pushing to cash in on legalized marijuana. In the southeastern United States which has already been pounded this week by severe storms, the Weather Forecast is again calling for more rain and strong winds. It means the communities in half a dozen states now engaged in clean up and recover efforts may not get a break. Our correspondent has more. Reporter the holy spirit of giving holiday spirit of giving, donations are pouring in and clean up after the storms. Christmas, whether i have presents or not, that is not going to change christmas for me. Reporter these people lost their homes where one torn a dough caused tornado caused damage over 100 miles. 120 tore through seven states this week its a crimea miracle christmas miracle because we were right there. Reporter parts of georgia and alabam a are on the lookout for heavy raining. We woke up to Civil Defense pounding on our door telling us we had about 20 minutes to leave our homes. Reporter it is a White Christmas around the greater lake tahoe area. Snow is welcomed at ski resorts but avalanche controls and shut roadways. Having to shut down, super Big Inconvenience for folks, but it is right now all about safety reporter an 80mile stretch remained closed more than 24 hours disrupting Holiday Plans for travellers in are ken saw, an act of arson. Minimal damage to the back of the house, a home designated as a National Historic site. They could smell an acceleratant at the scene. The police found the homes door and walkway spraypainted with graffiti. President clinton lived in the home. Marijuana use is legal now in 23 states in the u. S. And the district of colombia. Some native American Reservations want in on the action. Reporter a rainy northwest night lit up by smiles and cheers. The island nation here makes history opening the first recreational pot store on reservation land. The times are change possessing and its better to be the first than to copy somebody else that did it first reporter Arnold Cooper isnt a big fan of legalized marijuana but sees it a good deal. If we dont do it, our neighbour will do. So why not benefit, take advantage of the benefit and help our tribe grow. Reporter not far away another tribe is said to tap the same revenue flow for the same reasons. Construction moving fast at the marijuana shop just down the street from this tribes casino and water front resort complex. Store manager still a bit stunned by it all. I never thought that would happen. I started as an 18yearold kid in starbucks killing here and im going to now be selling our tribes marijuana. We have a responsibility to our tribal members and community to look at all the different Economic Opportunities that come along and this was definitely one that came along. Reporter sales at the stores will be taxed at the same level as elsewhere, but the tribes will keep that tax money, not give it to the state. The tribes side with the communities. A reminder nor all tribes considering growing processing or selling marijuana marijuana. First and foremost it remains illegally federally. Its a schedule 1 controlled substance that without a doubt or without any ambiguity whatsoever ask illegal and its is criminally illegal. Reporter guides have been given in relation to the drug. Keep tight control of pot, keep kids and criminal elements away and we probably wont bother you. How much legal weight do those guidelines carry . Virtually none. It is not a statute or regulation, not even a policy or sop of the department of justice. It is a memorandum he. It is simply a memo. Reporter as a result, he says most tribes are taking a wait and see approach, but not all. The nation in new york approved medical marijuana in an election day vote. South dakota cancelled plans for a pot resort and burned their first crop after talks with the justice department. In california, the Sheriffs Department buffeted a marijuana grow site and processing lab. Another reservation was raided showing 3,000 plants were pulled out. So far these are the only ones going into the retail recreational pot business. Tribal members here dismissed concerns about more marijuana access on the reservation. Even though the rates of drug use and abuse are high in Indian Country compared with other populations. This is not one of the things that were overly concerned that opening up a Marijuana Store says that we endorse marijuana for our use to do. This is a drug that is for 21 and older, collar to alcohol. Reporter a few tribes gambling in this will be their latest cash cow in iran authorities allowed the family of imprisoned journalist to visit him for christmas. His mother and wife were given extended Visitation Hours around said they brought him a home cooked meal. The washington correspondent pictured here has been in prison for more than 500 days. He sent a message to his colleagues saying how much he appreciates their support and he wished everyone a happy and productive new year. Pope francis offered a prayer for peace as he delivered his christmas message. He said he hoped that efforts in syria and libya would end the suffering in those countries. He also addressed other conflicts in africa, ukraine and the middle east. Translation may israelis and palestinians resume direct dialogue. And reach an agreement which will enable the two peoples to live together in harmony the pope also said his thoughts were with the victims of the brutal acts of terrorism, as he put it, in paris, beirut, egypt and molly. President obama and first lady used their message to honor the u. S. Forces every day, our brave military members serve to keep us safe as we win snow ball fights, lets all take time to pay attribute to those who have given our country so much. Go to joining forces dot govern to see how you can serve them in your community theyre in hawaii on their annual holiday. Thanks for watching. We will see you back here at 10 p. M. Eastern. More on our top story and that is the latest on syria where forces suffered a setback in their leadership today. Its not always pretty, but its real. And we show you like noone else can. This is our american story. This is america tonight. Continue with we talk with the biggest authors of 2015 where they find inspiration. I wasnt expecting to write a book how they developed their unique writing styles. That is a great question. Im not sure anyone has asked me what it took to get a president to open up. They really do the record to be clear tonight the personal stories behind their bestselling books. Thank you for having me and i can explain myself im john seigenthaler. We hope youre enjoying the holidays. A special ed addition. We take a look back at some of our interviews with authors who had the biggest books of the year. Patricia cornwell has sold more than a hundred million books. Her famous character, the medical examiner, is back working on another mysterious c