Syria's Fragile Transition: On the Brink of Renewed Violence

Syria's transition remains precarious with violence potentially resuming anytime, particularly in Sweida, post-clashes in July. The UN warns of risks to Syria's sovereignty amid deep ethnic divisions and calls for significant security reforms under the transitional government. Humanitarian needs remain critical with insufficient international aid support.

Syria is balancing on a precarious edge as threats of violence loom in the southern city of Sweida, with tensions rising after last month's deadly clashes, UN envoy Geir Pedersen cautioned the UN Security Council.

Despite a ceasefire stabilizing the situation, the risk of renewed conflict remains, fueled by the country's deep ethnic and religious divides, following the removal of President Bashar Assad in December. The fragile transition is spotlighted by spring and summer outbreaks of violence, notably impacting Sweida's Druze community.

In his report, Pedersen emphasized the urgency for Syria's interim government under President Ahmad al-Sharaa to implement major security reforms and reintegrate non-government forces. With humanitarian aid critically underfunded and 16 million Syrians in dire need, the UN calls for renewed international support.

(With inputs from agencies.)