Syria on the Brink of Civil War, According to Secretary of State Rubio

On May 20, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed grave concerns that Syria could be just weeks away from entering a “full civil war,” only days after a meeting between President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Rubio remarked, “Given the challenges they face, the interim authority suggests that the country is essentially splitting, rather than merely weeks away from a full-scale civil war that could lead to collapse on an epic scale.”

In light of Trump’s meetings in Saudi Arabia, the U.S. has decided to lift sanctions against Syria for 180 days. This change is anticipated to enable neighboring countries to assist transitional authorities in establishing governance and unifying military forces.

“The removal of sanctions is crucial for allowing surrounding nations to help build governance structures, which could lead to uniting troops under a single flag,” Rubio added.

Al-Sharaa, who previously led a radical group called Heiat Taharil al-Sham, played a significant role in toppling the Assad regime after more than 14 years of civil conflict. Once a member of Al-Qaeda, he has since distanced himself from extremist ideologies and now presents himself as a moderate option for Syria.

However, Rubio offered a contrasting viewpoint.

“The concerning aspect is that the interim authority did not receive a proper ‘background check’ from the FBI,” he noted. “If we engage with them, it could potentially work, though there’s no certainty. If we disengage, it’s almost guaranteed to fail.”

He further cautioned that an imminent collapse in Syria could transform the region into a “playground for jihadist groups like ISIS.”

In this tense atmosphere, the future of Syria remains uncertain, and the international community is left watching closely.