U.S. Secretary of State Warns: Collapse of Syrian Transitional Authority Soon
By Kardo Roj
WASHINGTON, U.S. (North Press) – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a stark warning on Tuesday regarding the fragility of Syria’s transitional authorities, stating that the country could face a broad civil conflict if the interim government fails to stabilize its position in the coming weeks.
Speaking before a U.S. Senate hearing, Rubio emphasized that the situation in Syria remains volatile and that the international community must be prepared for a worsening scenario. “We do not rule out the possibility of the collapse of the transitional government in Syria in the near future,” he said, highlighting a potential return to widespread violence.
His remarks follow a major policy shift announced last week, when U.S. President Donald Trump lifted sanctions on Syria, a move aimed at providing the Syrian government an opportunity to address ongoing challenges. Rubio clarified that the U.S. does not perceive the transitional authorities as the core issue, but rather points to destabilizing actors on the ground as a primary concern.
“The problem is not the interim authorities themselves,” Rubio said. “It’s the other elements present in the country that pose a real threat.” He added that evacuation plans and protective measures are being reviewed, especially in light of possible threats to civilians and foreign personnel.
The U.S. diplomat further outlined a range of challenges facing the Syrian transitional government, including deep internal mistrust—largely a result of the Assad-era policies that, according to Rubio, fractured social cohesion—and the massive displacement crisis, with up to eight million Syrians still living outside the country.
In a notable development, Rubio announced that American diplomats stationed in Turkey would soon be permitted to travel to Damascus to engage in direct discussions with Syrian authorities. He also hinted at a possible diplomatic gesture, stating that a visa may be issued to Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara to attend a future United Nations session.
While the U.S. administration has remained cautious in its dealings with the Syrian government, Rubio’s remarks underscore a growing concern over the country’s trajectory amid mounting pressures and a fragile political transition.
The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), which governs significant parts of the country outside Damascus’s control, continues to maintain stability in its regions through local institutions and the efforts of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), whose role in counterterrorism and governance remains essential amid ongoing uncertainty.