US ends funding for Syria stabilization projects – report

The Trump administration is ending funding for Syria stabilization projects, AP reported, citing officials. They say the administration was notifying Congress on Friday that it would not spend some $200 million that had been planned for Syrian programs, and that money would be instead shifted elsewhere. The cut will be more than offset by an additional $300 million pledged by coalition partners, including $100 million from Saudi Arabia, according to the officials. Washington’s move is seen as a sign that the administration is heeding President Donald Trump’s demand to end US involvement in Syria and reduce its commitment there. The administration is also reportedly appointing a veteran diplomat, James Jeffrey, as special envoy for Syria.