UNITED NATIONS -- The top U.N. official for Syria warned Wednesday of the “real dangers of renewed conflict and deeper confrontation” in the war-battered country but also hoped for a better life for its people following decisions by the U.S. and European Union to lift sanctions. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday that Syria is potentially “on the verge of collapse,” warning that would lead to civil war and the country again becoming “a playground” for the Islamic State group and other militants. Rubio said there’s no guarantee that “things are going to work out” by lifting sanctions and working with al-Sharaa’s transitional government, but if the U.S. didn’t try, “it’s guaranteed not to work out.” He said Trump’s announcement of sanctions relief has led regional and Arab partner nations to help stabilize the country.
Author: EDITH M. LEDERER Associated Press
Published at: 2025-05-21 21:50:29
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