We ui now know it was four russian war planes that flew and bombed targets near homs in central western syria. Why is this a significant area . Because this is not an area why isis generally operates. This is an area where anti Regime Forces operate. Trying to bring down Bashar Al Assad, this leader russia wants to keep in power. This is not what the u. S. Wanted to see happen. It all began earlier today in baghdad when a russian general went to the u. S. Embassy, according to several u. S. Officials this russian general read a statement telling the u. S. Military that russian air strikes would begin within one hour of them being notified at that time. And in fact it was just shortly after that that u. S. Military intelligence got the first indications that russian war planes had taken off. The russian general told the u. S. , we are told by u. S. Officials, that the u. S. Should not fly its war planes in syria. That it should stay out of the way. The u. S. Response they tell us is that u. S. Missions over syria continue. That u. S. War planes are not grounded. But this is going to be a very tough road ahead because of of course the u. S. And moscow were supposed to sit down and talk about how to deconflict all of these missions. If the russians are going to fly, how to make sure that the u. S. And the russians have transparence, that each military knows what the other side is doing. Today the u. S. Military got one hours notice. Wow. Barbara star. Thanks so much. I know it is all confusing, right . At first the Obama Administration expressed concern about russian intervention in syria. But now secretary of state john kerry is calling russias intervention an opportunity. What does he mean . Which is it . Well clearly the u. S. Has been caught a little flat footed over the last few days with the Russian Military build up on the ground. And in an effort to try and what they are calling deconflict, they are traying to say if we can all get on the same page and use russias influence on the ground, their strategic influence, political influence, Bashar Al Assad and the Russian Military build up to go after isis, then it could be a benefit. Clearly things dont seem to be going in that direction right now. Cross purposes right. Because russia wants to help barber al assad. The u. S. Doesnt like al assad and want him out of the power. It is confusing. And general breedlove, the supreme allied commander was talking and saying look, im looking at this equipment on the ground. This is not going after isis. These are antiaircraft weapons and isis is not using air operations on the ground. The Coalition Led by the u. S. Is. So what are they up to . They really dont know. But clearly there is an effort to try to accentuate the positive. Take a listen to secretary kerry. A lot of talk this week about president putins actions in syria creating new realities on the ground. And some have said that its kind of boxed the u. S. Into a corner a little bit. Is that true . I couldnt disagree more. I dont see it boxes us in the least. In fact i think it opens up more options. But i think it makes life very complicated for putin himself, for president putin. Because if he hes going side with assad and with iran and hezbollah, hes going to have a very serious problem with the sunni countries in the region. And that means that he could even become a target for those sunni jihadis. So this is very complicated for him. He needs to work something out. But and i think it is an opportunity for us to force this question of how you actually resolve the question of syria. And then he went on carol to talk about how the United States is working with russia on what they call this managed transition. You remember just a few years ago they are telling assad his days are numbered. Now i think there is an understanding that hes going to stay on the ground a long time while this, you know, situation with isis and is deconflicted and the situation gets a little better, a little less conflict. But clearly the russians dont want him to go anywhere soon. And secretary kerry pretty much acknowledged that doesnt have a replacement for Bashar Al Assad at the moment. We have new video and i want to show the viewers. These are the air strikes that just took place over syria a short time ago. I what tonight bring in cnn military analyst. Colonel, are you there . And welcome. Good morning. There you are. Okay. So i want to put this all into perspective. So russia is conducting air strikes near the city of homs, which is not an isis stronghold. So what are they up to . Well, the russians have been pretty up front that they want Bashar Al Assad to stay in power. The target of the strikes is whats critical. Are they going after isis . Or are they going after antiregime rebels . I suspect in that area there are more anti regime rebels. Although they may have struck isis to probably open up the dialogue. So our first strike was isis and then they will turn attention to the rebels. The russians want to support awe sa assad. And i they their operations are going to be that effect. The voice to the u. S. To keep out of the air space isnt going to work. But it is a new reality. The russians are there, to stay. And they are going to be involved. And we have to now recognize the fact that were probably not going to be able to over throw Bashar Al Assad before we deal with isis. You cant do both simultaneously. Here is the disturbing thing in my mind. Now it is like a tug of war in syria because the u. S. And russia. This is how it all went down. A russian general went to the u. S. Embassy. Told the United States to get its airplanes out of southeastern asyrian air space. The u. S. Did not. And what kind of danger does this present to u. S. Forces is. Deconfliction is the big problem. How do you operate that many air forces in such small air space without an international incident. At some point you are going to have american aircraft in close proximity to russian aircraft. Are they going to coordinate . Are they going to talk to each other . Or are we going to have an accident in the skies . These aircrafts are the very sophisticated, carry a lot of weapons. Aggressive pilots on both sides. This is something we have to work out on the ground. And baghdad is probably the place to do that. But we cant afford to get in a shooting match with the russians over syria. Okay. Im just remembering back when russia was fighting in afghanistan. That was before our involvement. And they were there many years and failed miserably. How good are they at such things then . Depends on what they are doing. They are very good at conducting air strikes. They have capable aircraft. They just deployed their latest bomber. They can bring a lot of fire power to bear. Now, they dont fear collateral damage. Civilian casuals as as much as we do. I think you are going to see a lot more russian ordinance put into targets that we wouldnt go after. Our pilots often return with munitions because they dont have a clear view and do not want to cause civilian casualties. The russians will not be as sensitive. Also right now, thousands of civilians are fleeing their homes in the northern afghan city of kunduz. Now Afghan Forces are struggling to retake the city. U. S. Forces have conduct air strikes and nato forces are also assisting. But a shortage of Ground Troops are hindering the operation. In the meantime hundreds of forces are being blocked by the taliban in a neighboring province. Still to come. Did pope francis have a secret meeting with the kentucky clerk that refused to issue marriage licenses . Kim davis says they did. And she has plenty to say about it. Thats next. Well, we have 30 years of customer records. Our cloud can keep them safe and accessible anywhere. My drivers dont have time to fill out forms. Tablets. Keep it all digital. Were looking to double our deliveries. Our fleet apps will find the fastest route. Oh, and your boysenberry apple scones smell about done. Ahh, youre good. I like to bake. Add new Business Services with at t and get up to 500 in total savings. Suffering from ringing in their ears, theres no such thing as quiet time. But you can quiet the ringing with lipoflavonoid, the numberone doctorrecommended brand. Relieve the ringing with lipoflavonoid. Kentucky clerk and controversial samesex marriage opponent kim davis says she not only met with pope davis, the holy father thanked her. Davis tells Good Morning America she was stunned when she first got the call from vatican officials. Saying the meeting tack applies in washington while the pope was in the United States. He told me before he left, he said stay strong. That was a great encouragement. Gist just knowing the pope is on track with what were doing and agreeing kind of validates everything. Ive weighed the cost. And im prepared to do whatever it takes. Some are wondering though if the pair actually did meet. Check out this confusing non statement from the vatican. It says quote we do not confirm or deny the story. There will be no statement. Davis says she has photographs to prove it. With me now. Delia gallagher whos in roam. What happened . Well what happened is what the vatican told us this morning. That maybe it happened, and maybe it didnt happen. They are not confirming. They are not denying carol. What we can say is that the pope in general supports Conscientious Objectors. So you would say well, why doesnt he come out and just say it one way or another. Probably the vatican wants to avoid getting involved further in some kind of a high profile debate about the particularities of kim davis situation. We know carol, if you remember when the pope was leaving the u. S. He gave an interview on the papal plane and he was asked specifically about the Conscientious Objection for government officials. That was the specific followup question by the journalist. And he said, you know, Conscientious Objection is a human right. It should be allowed for by law and it includes government officials. So the pope, knowing full well the situation of kim davis in the states, had he wanted to probably could have taken that moment to discuss further that situation. The fact that he played it very generally suggests that, you know, they just dont want to get involve publicly in some kind of debate with the u. S. On that question right now. Although when he was in the states he mentioned quite a number of times about religious freedom and of course Conscientious Objection for the vatican falls under that category. Im just curious. Do you think that kim davis was supposed to keep the meeting a secret . I dont think that would have been a requirement if the meeting indeed happen. I think the vatican you know, pope francis before has made phone calls from the vatican that we havent been able to confirm buzz because the vatican doesnt want to confirm or deny. But they have allowed to it play out on the other side. I dont think they would have made any particular request to keep it quiet. I think it is just their political line not to raise the story again as it were and start it all over again. But if the meeting did happen it was obviously a show of support on the pope. Keep in mind when he was in washington last week he met with the Little Sisters of the poor. Thats the group of nones who have Healthcare Facilities and Nursing Homes and are in litigation over the contraception mandate. It is a slightly different situation from kim davis but it is still Conscientious Objection. When the pope met with them and that was not on the official agenda but he did it. And he said that was an obvious sign of support on the part of the pope for this group of nuns. So there are situations which the pope meets with people and the vatican comes out and says yes that is a sign of support. We know generally he supports the con set of of the Conscientious Objection. Again not confirming or denying the meeting. That is as far as we can go on that. Reporting live from rome. Thanks so much. Still to come in the newsroom. It had been 70 years since georgia executed a female prisoner, until last night. Not even a plea from pope franz could stop it. And can you hear me now . After the data leaking, Edward Snowden is tweeting. When account lead craig wilson books at laquinta. Com. He gets a ready for you alert the second his room is ready. So he knows exactly when he can settle in and practice his big pitch. And when craig gets his pitch down pat, do you know what he becomes . Great proposal lets talk more over golf great. Better yet, how about over tennis . Even better. A game changer your 2 oclock is here. Oops, hold your horses. No problem. La quinta inns suites is ready for you, so youll be ready for business. The ready for you alert, only at lq. Com. Laquinta heres a lieat well,thy advice. Live well, and take of what makes you, you. Right down to your skin with aveeno® aveeno® daily moisturizing lotion with the goodness of active naturals® oat and 5 vital nutrients for healthier looking skin in just one day. Healthy skin equals beautiful skin. And for shower softness, add the body wash, too aveeno® naturally beautiful results® and i am a certified arborist for pg e. Ughes i oversee the patrolling of trees near power lines and roots near pipes and underground infrastructure. At pg e wherever we work, we work hard to protect the environment. Getting the job done safely so we can keep the lights on for everybody. Because i live here i have a deeper connection to the community. And i want to see the Community Grow and thrive. Every year we work with cities and schools to plant trees in our communities. The environment is there for my kids and future generations. Together, were building a better california. Despite a last minute plea from the pope, her children and protesters the state of georgia has executed the first woman in more than 70 years. Kelly gissendaner was killed earl this morning, her death 18 years after her conviction. In 1997 she was sentenced to death for convincing her lover to kill her husband. Pope francis wanted her life spared. In an open letter on his behalf an archbishop asked the court to commute the sentence to one that would better express both justice and mercy. The court did do not. Good morning. 7 00 eastern was when Kelly Gissendaner was scheduled to die last evening. The hour came and went and there was no announcement from the Georgia Department of corrections and we later learned why. There was a frantic effort by her legal team appealing to a number of courts. The process dragged on for hours and the execution was delayed to allow the legal course to run through. It eventually did just after midnight when time and hope ran out and the execution was then carried out. A witness described afterwards. When all of the witnesses entered the viewing area, Kelly Gissendaner was able to see us and became very, very emotional. She began sobbing. Then crying. Then sobbing. And she made a statement. A statement apologizing to an amazing man that lost his life because of her. Also spoke of love to her attorney susan casey and her children. Hoped that they found would find peace. And she then began to sing two gospel songs. One amazing grace. The other was indecipherable. The parents of kelly gisen husband. No right, no choices. Nor the opportunity to live his life. His life was not hers to take. Again, that is the statement coming from the parents. They obviously agreed with that sentence. The controversy, carol, of course as you know is that she got death while the cospir coconspirator the boyfriend was given life with the possibility of parole. In fact he could be paroled in as early as seven years, carol. Thank you. Can you hear me now . Thats the first tweet of the Edward Snowden. His online bio reads i used to work for the government. Now i work for the public. Following only one account and that is the nsa. So far nearly 1 million followers. That is almost 900 thousand more followers than the nsa. Snowden, who lives in russia was welcoming to the twitter verse. The response, thanks for the welcome and now weve got water on mars. Do you think they check passports at the border . Asking for a friend. But not everyone is sending warm issues with. George pataki wants snowden banned from twitter. Twitter is a great platform. They should not give platform to terrorists or traitors. Shut down snowden. So you are former nsa. Isnt this embarrassing . Well i guess you could say that, especially when you look at the different numbers of twitter followers and compare them. But with snowdens almost 1 million followers you have a situation where people are clearly interested in what he had to say and what hes up to. With the nsa people are look at it as the government bureaucracy and chances are it wont be followed as much. But it is interesting that hes only following the nsa and no one else at this point . Hes taunting the nsa. Do you think hes getting to them . I think they have pretty thick skin normally. However he did do a lot of damage to nsa. And they are looking at the things hes saying. One of the things i noted in his tweets was the fact that hes working on secret projects with the freedom of press, which is another twitter handle that is associated with some of his actions. So there are a lot of things that nsa and the department of justice are looking at. But, you know, at this point in time i think it is going to be interesting to see how the political dialogue evolves around what hes going. I just wonder. Do you think that the nsa is meeting about Edward Snowdens twitter account . I dont think so. I think he would like to think that hes the case. Nsa has a deal with a lot of operations and they are probably more worried about what the russians are doing in syria than they are about Edward Snowden. Although i wouldnt be surprised if the department of justice is paying a little at