US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has painted a grim picture of Syria's future, warning that the nation could be "weeks" away from collapse and fragmentation. Speaking at a Senate hearing, Rubio stated, "We assess that, frankly, the transitional authority, given the challenges they're facing, are maybe weeks — not many months — away from potential collapse and a full-scale civil war of epic proportions, basically the country splitting up." His assessment came days after meeting with what he described as the country's "transitional leaders" – figures distinct from the current Damascus regime.
In a dramatic counterpoint, Turkish officials have conducted critical back-to-back meetings directly in the Syrian capital, reportedly with the current government. National Intelligence Organization (MİT) Head İbrahim Kalın met with the official of the interim Syrian government. Following Kalın's visit, a delegation from Turkey's Ministry of National Defense (MSB), led by Defense and Security General Director Major General İlkay Altındağ, also traveled to Damascus to discuss military cooperation and coordination.
During these discussions, key issues on Turkey's agenda included the disarmament and integration of the PKK/YPG into a "new Syria," ensuring border security and the functioning of customs gates, and the handover of prisons and camps containing ISIS members to the Syrian government. Turkish officials also advocated for the lifting of all sanctions on Syria, discussed continued efforts in combating ISIS, and addressed facilitating the voluntary and safe return of Syrian refugees.
Notably, Turkey affirmed its commitment to Syria's "territorial integrity, sovereignty, and political stability," stating it "will always be by Syria's side" and "ready to give all kinds of support" to the Damascus administration.