Syria on Brink of Civil War, Rubio Warns Amid Sectarian Clashes

In a recent Senate hearing, Rubio emphasized the dire state of Syria, stating that the nation is on the verge of a "full-scale civil war of epic proportions" with transitional authorities requiring immediate support to stabilize the situation.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has raised an alarming red flag about the escalating violence in Syria, expressing concerns that the Middle Eastern nation is on the brink of "full-scale civil war" within mere weeks. This statement came during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, following reports of significant sectarian clashes that have resulted in over 100 deaths, specifically amongst Druze gunmen and pro-government forces in the past month.

Rubio defended President Donald Trump's recent decision to lift sanctions on Syria, asserting that this move was essential to pave the way for humanitarian aid to flow into the country. The sanctions had stifled international assistance amidst fears from other nations to engage with Mahmoud al-Sharaa, a controversial figure who led the rebel offensive against former President Bashar al-Assad.

Despite Sharaa being labeled a "specially designated global terrorist" by the United States, his recent handshake with Trump during a summit in Saudi Arabia has stirred mixed reactions. Rubio acknowledged Sharaa's past but highlighted the potential for collaboration, stating, "If we engage them, it may work out; if not, it’s guaranteed to fail."

The urgency of Rubio's statements is further underscored by the tragic history of the Syrian civil war, which has seen over 600,000 fatalities and millions displaced. The political landscape remains fraught, especially for the minority communities who now worry about Sharaa's administration, dominated by the Sunni Islamist group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group previously affiliated with al-Qaeda.

Following Rubio's remarks, EU foreign ministers echoed calls for lifting their economic sanctions, aiming to assist the rebuilding efforts in Syria. Kaja Kallas, the bloc's foreign policy chief, reiterated their commitment to supporting the Syrian people towards a "new, inclusive, and peaceful Syria."

As tensions rise in Syria, with deep-rooted distrust seeded by years of conflict and strife, the stakes are high for both local communities and international relations in the volatile region. The compounding challenges of negotiating peace and rebuilding a fractured society remain at the forefront of the global community's attention.