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WASHINGTON, Dec. 30-- U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham indicated on Sunday that President Donald Trump has agreed to slow down the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria. "I think we're slowing things down in a smart way," Graham told reporters after a lunch with Trump. "I think we're in a pause situation where we are reevaluating what's the best way to achieve the president's objective of having people pay more and do more," the Republican lawmaker said. "The president understands the need to finish the job," Graham said. "We talked about Syria. He told me some things I didn't know that made me feel a lot better about where we're headed in Syria. We still have some differences, but I will tell you that the president is thinking long and hard about Syria -- how to withdraw our forces but at the same time achieve our national security interests." "I think the president is committed to making sure when we leave Syria that IS (Islamic State) is completely defeated," he said when asked if Trump has agreed to slow down the withdrawal. "The president is reconsidering how we would do this." On future plans, the congressional veteran noted that "I think the president has come up with a plan with his generals that makes sense to me," without giving further details. Graham has been among the vocal critics of Trump's earlier announced withdrawal of U.S. troops from the Middle East country. On Dec. 19, the White House said that it has started returning U.S. troops home from Syria after claiming a victory in the fight against the IS. | 
