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Daines: Syria Troop Withdrawal 'Detrimental To Our National Security'

Montana Senator Steve Daines at a Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee meeting.
Courtesy Sen. Steve Daines

President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria has earned condemnation from Montana’s entire congressional delegation.

Democratic Sen. Jon Tester told Lee newspapers earlier this month the order to pull troops from Syria’s northern border threatens regional and global stability.

Montana Sen.Steve Daines at a Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee meeting in April 2018.
Credit Courtesy Sen. Steve Daines
Montana Sen.Steve Daines at a Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee meeting in April 2018.

Republican U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte and Republican Sen. Steve Daines – two normally reliable Trump stalwarts – also have their doubts.

Daines expressed his concerns during Wednesday's Senate Appropriations Committee meeting where he said the risks of withdrawal outweigh the benefits.

"The reduction of the American presence in Syria has resulted in increased influence of Russia and Iran and set the stage for a potential resurgence of ISIS. I think the withdrawal was detrimental to our national security," Daines said.

Trump has defended his decision to withdraw U.S. troops from northern Syria, saying they’re capable of defending themselves from Turkish forces.

Trump Wednesday lifted sanctions on Turkey after the country agreed to what Trump says is a permanent ceasefire in Syria.

Copyright 2020 Montana Public Radio. To see more, visit Montana Public Radio.

Edward O'Brien is Montana Public Radio's Associate News Director.