Washington: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a stark warning regarding the future stability of Syria, highlighting the risk of the nation descending into "total civil war" should the current Syrian government initiatives fail. Rubio emphasized the potential for Syria to become a hub for terrorist groups if the situation deteriorates. According to Kuwait News Agency, Secretary Rubio stated that Syrian leaders have expressed their intention to establish a national government that includes representation from all segments of Syrian society, aiming to ensure safety and stability. They are committed to preventing Syria from becoming a base for operations by Iran, ISIS, or similar groups, instead striving to maintain a country focused on peace rather than regional aggression. Rubio underscored the importance of supporting these efforts, warning that failure could lead to Syria becoming a battleground for dangerous elements throughout the Middle East. He highlighted the potential resurgence of Iran's i nfluence and the strengthening of Hizballah, stressing that avoiding this outcome is in the best interest of regional and global security. The Secretary of State acknowledged the complexities facing the Syrian government, including challenges posed by foreign fighters who helped the current administration rise to power. He pointed out that some of these individuals hold radical views and are not fully under the control of Damascus. Additionally, he noted regional issues involving the Kurds in the north and concerns from Israel regarding its security. Rubio called attention to the delicate balance required to manage these diverse challenges, emphasizing the difficulty of the task at hand. He urged support for the current government's efforts to succeed, while also contemplating the dire consequences if they do not. Should the government initiative fail, Rubio warned of Syria becoming an ungoverned space, providing fertile ground for ISIS, Hizballah, Iran, and al-Qaida, potentially igniting a new conflict in the region.
