Rubio: Syria Teeters on the Brink of Civil War Amid Escalating Sectarian Clashes

During a Senate hearing, Marco Rubio expressed grave concerns over the potential for Syria's imminent collapse and full-scale civil war, underscoring the urgency for American engagement and support for new leadership amidst ongoing violent clashes.

In a stark warning, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that Syria could soon face "potential collapse and a full-scale civil war of epic proportions." Speaking at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Rubio pushed for backing the country’s transitional authorities in light of continuing sectarian violence. His comments followed the recent lifting of sanctions on Syria by President Trump, intended to facilitate aid to the newly appointed leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda commander.

Rubio explained that this decision stemmed from the need for Western nations to support Sharaa's administration without fear of sanctions, which previously hindered aid. His remarks came as more than 100 people were reported killed earlier this month in violent clashes involving pro-government forces and the Druze minority. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Syria in response to atrocities amid the civil war that has claimed over 600,000 lives and displaced millions.

Despite concerns for Syria's minority communities, where distrust is high due to historical divisions under Assad, the Biden administration seems to be softening its stance, indicating a willingness to engage with the transitional authority. However, Rubio cautioned that the political landscape remains volatile and precarious, suggesting that the transitional authority could face collapse within weeks.

In tandem with U.S. actions, the European Union has expressed intentions to lift economic sanctions, with officials emphasizing the need for humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts. This development has been welcomed by the Syrian foreign ministry as indicative of a new era in Syrian-European relations.

As the international community grapples with the complexities of Syria's future, Rubio underscored the importance of immediate engagement, reiterating that neglecting to support the country's transitional authorities could guarantee further descent into chaos.