How Trump's cuts to U.S. foreign aid are imperiling Syria's war crimes investigations

When former leader Bashar al-Assad fell, new Syria war crimes investigations began. But U.S. budget cuts have halted some work. For families of the disappeared, it means justice delayed or denied.

Apr 15, 2025 - 15:13
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How Trump's cuts to U.S. foreign aid are imperiling Syria's war crimes investigations
"The regime has fallen, and I need to transition to civilian life," says former opposition fighter Omar Halaby, 29, who lost his right leg during a 2017 attack by Syrian forces loyal to then-President Bashar al-Assad. "Part of that process is seeing my late friends one last time, to give them a dignified reburial."

When former leader Bashar al-Assad fell, new Syria war crimes investigations began. But U.S. budget cuts have halted some work. For families of the disappeared, it means justice delayed or denied.

(Image credit: Lauren Frayer/NPR)