Rubio Warns Syria May Be Weeks Away from Full-Scale Civil War, Urges Senate to Repeal Caesar Act

Asharq Al-Awsat

21-05-2025

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Tuesday that Syria may be only weeks away from a full-scale civil war and called on the Senate to repeal the Caesar Act, which imposed sweeping sanctions on the country.
Speaking before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio argued that current US sanctions are hampering efforts to stabilize Syria and attract much-needed foreign investment. He noted that lifting some sanctions would not be enough as long as the Caesar Act remains in effect.
Rubio said the rationale behind President Donald Trump's decision to ease sanctions was to pave the way for regional countries to support Syria's transitional government.
The situation in the country remains volatile, with the potential for wider regional fallout, particularly in neighboring Lebanon, he warned. The situation in Syria will profoundly impact Lebanon.
'This is a historic opportunity,' he underlined, adding that if in two years from now, Syria and Lebanon are both stable, enormous potential for peace, security, and the resolution of long-standing conflicts, could be unlocked.
Following meetings with Syrian transitional leaders last week, Rubio said US intelligence assessments suggest the country could be weeks—not months—away from collapse and a devastating civil war that could fracture Syria irreparably.
He also revealed that the Trump administration will authorize the US ambassador in Türkiye to coordinate with local Syrian officials to assess humanitarian needs. The American embassy in Damascus remains closed for security reasons.
Rubio visited Ankara last week, where he met with Syria's foreign minister. He indicated that the administration is preparing to begin lifting certain sanctions to allow aid to flow from international partners.
Meanwhile, growing bipartisan support in Congress suggests that such a shift may be politically viable. According to US media reports, Republican and Democratic lawmakers are increasingly open to easing sanctions, with some Republicans reportedly discussing the removal of Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa from the terrorism watchlist.
That discussion followed Trump's meeting with Sharaa last week in Saudi Arabia, where he announced plans to lift sanctions on Damascus, describing it as a chance to give the new Syrian leadership 'an opportunity to succeed.'
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said there is interest in easing sanctions, but cautioned that concerns remain about Syria's commitment to democratic reforms and human rights.
Lawmakers from both parties view a potential policy shift as a strategic opportunity to bolster US allies, such as Israel and Türkiye, while diminishing Iran's influence in the region. Senator Mike Rounds said he believes Sharaa understands that friendship with the US could offer political longevity and economic growth.
A senior White House official told Semafor that the administration's evolving stance on Syria is part of Trump's broader 'vision for peace' in the region.
However, the official emphasized that it is still too early to discuss investment deals similar to recent agreements between the US and Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.