(CNN) The CIA program to train and arm moderate rebels was never going to tip the balance in Syria's civil war. At best, it was a lifeline to a shrinking constituency in a conflict dominated by the regime and Russia on one side, and Islamist groups on the other.

But now, according to the Washington Post, the program will be phased out altogether. And the symbolism of that means more than the decision itself.

It's a further indication that the Trump administration sees no point in opposing Russia in Syria -- and an acknowledgment that the US has limited leverage in a conflict where President Bashar al-Assad is in a stronger position than five years ago.

It's also a message to groups that look to Washington for help that they are ultimately dispensable. Critics of the decision says it sends a message to US allies in the region that Washington is a fair-weather friend.

One of those critics, Republican Senator Lindsay Graham tweeted in response to the reports: "If this is true, a big loss for: 1) Syrians who have been relentlessly attacked by Assad 2) Our Arab partners 3) US standing in the Middle East."

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