Syria on Brink of Full-Scale Civil War, Warns Rubio
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a stark warning on Tuesday, cautioning that Syria could be mere weeks away from a fresh civil war. Rubio described the potential conflict as one of 'epic proportions.' He urged support for the transitional leadership during a US Senate hearing.
Rubio emphasized the transitional authority's challenges and potential collapse, stating, 'They are maybe weeks, not many months, away from potential collapse.' This collapse could lead to a full-scale civil war and the country splitting up.
Rubio's warning follows a series of bloody attacks on Syria's Alawite and Druze minorities, after the toppling of Bashar Assad by Islamist-led fighters in December. The brutal civil war began in 2011 and has left deep scars on the nation.
Last week, US President Donald Trump visited Saudi Arabia, where he announced the lifting of Assad-era sanctions. Trump also met with Ahmed Al-Sharaa, the jihadist leader turned transitional president, who was once on a US wanted list, was complimented by Trump as a 'young, attractive guy'. The Transitional Authority's Challenges
Rubio acknowledged the transitional authority's questionable background. He quipped, 'The transitional authority figures, they didn't pass their background check with the FBI.' Despite this, he argued for engagement. 'If we engage them, it may work out, it may not work out. If we did not engage them, it was guaranteed to not work out,' Rubio said.
Rubio also met with Syria's foreign minister in Turkiye on Thursday, where he blamed the renewed violence on Assad's legacy. Assad, a largely secular leader from the Alawite sect, deliberately pitted groups against each other, leading to deep internal distrust in Syria.
The situation in Syria remains precarious, with the transitional authority faces significant challenges. International support and engagement could be crucial in preventing a full-scale civil war. The coming weeks will be critical in determining Syria's future.
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