Syrian Rebels Alarmed By Reports Covert CIA Aid Will End

The Financial Times ^ | 07/20/17 | Erika Solomon

[Enlightened1]

For nearly four years, Syrian rebels have clung to a programme of CIA assistance as a symbol of US support in their battle against Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

So reports that Donald Trump’s administration will stop the limited scheme to arm and train Syria’s opposition forces have sparked anger and confusion.

Rebels say they have not been informed of any changes to the policy introduced by Barack Obama as US president in 2013 as part of efforts to put pressure on Syria’s president and bring about a political settlement. Mr Assad’s main backer, Russia, has long pushed for the US to end support.

“If these reports are true, the administration is playing right into the hands of Vladimir Putin,” John McCain, the Republican chairman of the Senate armed services committee, countered. “Making any concession to Russia, absent a broader strategy for Syria, is irresponsible and short-sighted,” he said.

Rebels contacted by the Financial Times say their CIA interlocutors had not confirmed any change, and political opposition figures who met US officials this week say they, too, were given no hint of any change. The White House has not confirmed that the programme has been cancelled.

“Until now, nothing is confirmed. There have been no changes on the ground. When we spoke to the concerned parties [in the operations room] they were also surprised at the news,” said Hassan Hamadeh, commander of Division 101, a rebel group. “Co-ordination is ongoing, and everything has been happening normally.”

[samtheman]

He’s too sick to walk but never too sick to stab conservatives in the back.

[politicianslie]

There are no good rebels. They are all Jihadists.

Hussein Obama sided with the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt.

Hussein Obama sided with the rebels in Libya.

Hussein Obama sided with the rebels in Syria.

Hussein Obama removed US troops from Iraq giving the country to the "rebels."

Who are the rebels? In every case, the rebels are Muslims who are fighting for Islamic domination of their country.

Who is Obama? America's FIRST Muslim President.