Following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad's regime by Islamist rebels and his subsequent exile, Syria's political landscape is shrouded in uncertainty. Experts and officials are grappling with the implications of this dramatic shift in power, raising questions about the nation's future and the safety of American troops stationed there.

Former Deputy National Security Adviser K.T. McFarland expressed this uncertainty, stating, "Who knows what's next?" during an appearance on "Fox & Friends Weekend." She pointed to Assad's reliance on Iranian financial support and Russian military power, both of which have been strained due to Iran's conflicts with Israel and Russia's involvement in Ukraine. This weakening of support, McFarland argued, created an opportunity for the rebel coalition to seize control.

McFarland also echoed former President Trump's sentiment of non-intervention, expressing concern over the presence of 900 American troops in Syria and the potential risks they face in this volatile environment. She questioned their role and safety, highlighting the possibility of them becoming targets or hostages.

Senator Marsha Blackburn offered a more cautious perspective, emphasizing that there are "no good guys" in this conflict and highlighting the links between the rebels and al-Qaeda. She also noted the potential impact on Iran's supply lines to Hezbollah and Russia's access to a warm-weather port, urging support for Israel amidst these changes.

Former CIA station chief Dan Hoffman characterized the situation as a "complex challenge" to U.S. national security, warning of the potential for a power vacuum similar to those seen in Iraq and Libya, which could be exploited by terrorist groups. He also emphasized the difficulty of achieving international consensus on a path forward, given the differing interests of state actors like Russia and Iran.

Former President Trump, in a post on Truth Social, commented on Assad's departure and Russia's waning interest in Syria due to its involvement in the Ukraine conflict. He also called for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, citing the substantial casualties on both sides.