Marco Rubio Warns of Imminent Collapse and Renewed Civil War in Syria

Sky News

Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State.

On 20 May 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a grave warning regarding the rapidly deteriorating situation in Syria. Speaking before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio claimed that Syria may be mere weeks away from “collapse and a full-scale civil war of epic proportions.” He cautioned that the transitional government could soon unravel, potentially plunging the country back into widespread sectarian conflict.

As reported by the New York Post, Rubio defended President Trump’s recent decision to temporarily lift economic sanctions on Syria. The move, he explained, was intended to give regional allies the opportunity to support Syria’s fragile interim government and to help lay the groundwork for stabilisation efforts. The US is attempting to avert further chaos following the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad.

Syria’s new leader, President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who rose to power after leading Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham group in toppling Assad’s regime, is a controversial figure. Despite his previous affiliations with al-Qaeda and the Nusra Front, al-Sharaa has sought to reposition himself as a unifying force in a deeply divided nation. Rubio acknowledged these complexities, noting that while engaging with such a leader is not without risk, it may be necessary to prevent Syria from descending further into instability.

Rubio also underscored that lifting sanctions alone would “not be enough” to bring long-term stability. He suggested that a more robust and comprehensive strategy—possibly involving Congressional action—would be required to ensure sustainable peace and governance in Syria.



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