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A member of Syria's parliament who defected to Egypt by convincing his superiors that he was leaving on a business trip says Syrian President Bashar Assad is receiving help from its radical Islamist buddies to combat the country's popular uprising.

Imad Ghalioun is quoted as saying, "Iran is supporting the regime with all its might [because] sustaining the Syrian regime is protecting Iran itself and it's interests.

However, he also added that, "Iran knows the Syrian regime is weakening and is using it as a bargaining chip for negotiations with the West." Ghalioun also charged that the Lebanese terrorist organization, Hizbollah, is providing logistical support and fighters to Assad's forces.

Iran and Hizbollah have both denied providing support to Assad, but just last week a number if Iranian trucks containing weapons were intercepted by Turkey.

Even though the rebellion has devastated the Syrian economy, Ghalioun said that the coffers are full for the military who has an "open budget" to brutally squelch the protesters. Syrian military forces are active on the streets; "ghost hit men," pro-government snipers, provide support from hidden positions.

Ghalioun said that many more Syrian officials also want to defect, but The day after Ghalioun and his family left Syria, travel by government officials was banned.