Trump ends CIA-Syrian rebel program--Moscow happy

Photo: AP file

President Trump has called it quits with the covert CIA program that was arming and training 'moderate' Syrian rebels fighting Bashar Al-Assad's government, according to government officials.

This has put a smile on Putin's lips, a spring in his step, and maybe even another hair on his bare chest.

The policy was begun by former failed President Obama in 2013. Its purpose was to pressure Bashar ("The Chin") to step aside and give up all that he has killed for, but even Obama's locker room buddies thought the idea wasn't smart because Russia help Assad in 2015.

Some officials believe phasing out the secret program is Trump's flamboyant way of showing us that he's interested in finding ways to work with Putin and saw the anti-Assad program as a proverbial monkey wrench to this process. 

It also acknowledges Washington's impotence in throwing "The Chin" out of power.

In May, the US accused Assad of using chemical weapons against the rebels and Trump launched retaliatory airstrikes against a Syrian air base. It was then that UN Ambassador Nikki Haley said, "in no way do we see peace in that area with Assad at the head of the Syrian government."

Invisible officials said Trump had already decided to end the CIA program about a month ago after he met with CIA Director Mike Pompeo and national security adviser H.R. McMaster before the July 7 meeting in Germany with Russia Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. It was announced after that meeting of a new cease-fire in southwest Syria, at the Jordanian border. That's where many of the CIA-backed rebels have long operated.

Trump described the limited cease-fire deal as one of the most incredible deals in American history as one of the benefits of the incredible working relationship he made with Moscow.

The ending of the secret program to arm the anti-Assad rebels wasn't part of the conditions of the cease-fire negotiations--they were already underway, said more invisible U.S. officials.

One thing is for certain, the ending of the CIA-backed rebels will be welcomed by Russia.

What do you think of the deal?




Tweet