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Trump budget nixes aid to opposition-held Syria

The Donald Trump administration is doubling down on its decision to eliminate economic and stabilization aid for Syria amid its pending troop withdrawal.
A rebel fighter rides on a motorbike as people take a selfie on a road in Quneitra, Syria July 27, 2018. REUTERS/Omar Sanadiki - RC1305C71BB0

The Donald Trump administration is seeking to eliminate economic and security aid to opposition-held Syria even as the United States gears up to significantly reduce its troop presence in the war-torn country.

The State Department budget request for fiscal year 2020 released today proposes zeroing out economic support funds for Syria as well as assistance under the Nonproliferation, Anti-terrorism and Demining program. Last year, the Trump administration had asked for $130 million in economic aid for Syria and another $44.5 million under the nonproliferation and anti-terrorism program.

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