**Rubio Predicts Imminent Full-Scale Civil War in Syria**

Marco Rubio urges renewed support for transitional authorities in Syria, warning of potential collapse and a worsening civil conflict.

In a recent Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned that Syria could be on the brink of "potential collapse and a full-scale civil war of epic proportions" within weeks. This alarming prediction comes amid rising sectarian violence, with reports of over 100 fatalities this month due to clashes between pro-government forces and Druze gunmen.

Rubio defended President Donald Trump's controversial decision to lift sanctions on Syria prior to a meeting with President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda commander now at the helm of Syria’s transitional authority. Rubio stated that Trump's rationale for unblocking aid to Sharaa's administration was based on the concerns of other countries regarding the sanctions limiting their ability to assist.

The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Syria in response to human rights violations committed by forces loyal to the Assad regime during the country’s civil war, which has claimed more than 600,000 lives and displaced 12 million people. Previously, the State Department had insisted on conditions related to the protection of ethnic and religious minorities before considering the lifting of these sanctions.

Despite assurances from Sharaa that he would secure minority interests, recent spikes in violence have heightened fears, particularly among the Kurdish and Alawite communities. In March, nearly 900 civilians were reportedly killed along Syria's western coast, predominantly members of Assad's Alawite sect. More recently, violent clashes in Damascus and the southern province of Suweida resulted in significant loss of life, prompting concern regarding the transitional government's ability to maintain stability.

Sharaa, despite being labeled a "specially designated global terrorist" by the U.S., met with Trump during a summit attended by Gulf leaders, marking a segment of renewed hopes among Syrian people for a post-war future. Trump praised Sharaa for his potential to mend the fractured nation, describing him positively following their encounter.

However, Rubio's statements reflect a palpable concern over the transitional authority's credibility, humorously noting that its leaders might not have cleared rigorous background checks. He emphasized a complex reality: engaging with these authorities might open pathways for stability, whereas withdrawal would guarantee further disintegration.

Concurrently, assistance sentiment has generated traction within the European Union, which moved forward with plans to also lift economic sanctions on Syria, aiming to support the Syrian populace in rebuilding efforts.

In response to the EU's intentions, the Syrian foreign ministry welcomed this development as a pivotal moment for improved Syrian-European relations, emphasizing mutual prosperity. As the situation evolves, stakeholders worldwide remain watchful, underscoring the precarious balance of power within the deeply fractured Syrian landscape.