After the collapse of Bashar Assad's dictatorship, outside interference in Syria is inevitable. Syria's strategic location has attracted outside meddling for decades, and the civil war further deepened foreign involvement. The new Syrian government must navigate a perilous geopolitical situation and manage foreign interference as best it can. Developing diplomatic skill and capacity, as well as minimizing disaffection among Syrians, are key strategies to mitigate the risks. It remains to be seen whether Syria's new rulers have the skill and foresight to minimize the damage of foreign interference.