Syrian Rebel Envoys In Washington Asking For A Revival Of CIA Aid

Rebel fighters walk carrying their weapons on the outskirts of the northern Syrian town of al-Bab, Syria January 15, 2017. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi

Reuters: Syrian rebel delegation in Washington seeking revival of CIA aid

AMMAN (Reuters) - Free Syrian Army envoys have urged U.S. officials at talks in Washington to resume a suspended CIA program of military aid if it is serious about challenging growing Iranian influence in Syria, according to Syrian opposition figures.

Mustafa Sejari, a senior official in Syria’s mainstream rebel group, said the envoys described to U.S. officials the damaging impact of President Donald Trump’s decision last year to stop equipping and training certain rebel groups.

Trump’s move was driven by a wish to focus on fighting Islamic State militants and to improve relations with Russia, as well as a lack of results from the CIA’s support of the FSA, U.S. officials suggested.

“We endorse President Trump’s statements about the need to confront Iranian hegemony in the region. It is time to turn words into action. Until now on the ground it’s the Iranian militias that are expanding without serious resistance,” Sejari told Reuters by telephone from Washington.

Read more ....

Update: Syrian rebels make pitch to restore CIA program: report (The Hill)

WNU Editor: They are using the Iranian card to get the CIA to resume aid. Will it work? I doubt it, but this is one those stories that the truth will only be known later.