On a significant Sunday, President Joe Biden addressed the recent collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, characterizing it as both “a moment of risk” and a “historic opportunity.” Speaking from the Roosevelt Room of the White House, he laid out a plan on how the United States intends to assist the region during this tumultuous period. This moment came in the wake of a swift offensive led by rebel forces that successfully dismantled the long-standing governance of President Bashar al-Assad.
Biden’s remarks mark his first substantial commentary since the regime’s fall, emphasizing the ongoing commitment of the US to combating the resurgence of ISIS in Syria. He articulated that the United States had initiated multiple airstrikes aimed at countering the potential reestablishment of ISIS in the region. The president stated, “It’s a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria to build a better future for their proud country,” ensuring that the US will collaborate with international partners to equip the Syrian people to navigate the challenges ahead.
Moreover, Biden reaffirmed the US’s intention to support neighboring countries during this transition. He vowed to protect US personnel involved in operations against ISIS and pledged to engage with his counterparts in the region shortly. The focus, Biden remarked, is on preventing ISIS from exploiting any power vacuums that may arise, emphasizing that, “We will not let that happen.”
Biden further detailed the strategies of the US in combating ISIS, including securing detention facilities that hold ISIS fighters and executing precision strikes on strategic targets within Syria. In fact, on the same day as his address, US forces launched significant airstrikes, targeting over 75 identified ISIS locations with a mix of bombers and fighter jets. General Erik Kurilla, commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), reinforced this commitment, stating unequivocally that any group aiding ISIS would be held responsible for their actions.
While Biden took a resolute stance against ISIS, President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office in six weeks, suggested a more hands-off approach to the conflict. Trump highlighted the fall of Assad as a reflection of the waning influence of Russia and Iran in the region, which had previously supported the Syrian president. Following the regime’s collapse, Assad was reported to have sought asylum in Moscow, alongside his family, as stated by Russian state media sources.
Biden’s remarks also included plans for engaging with various Syrian groups as the country moves toward establishing a new government that promotes sovereignty and serves the interests of all citizens. He articulated the belief that the Syrian populace must take the lead in determining their future, and the US would endeavor to support these efforts, particularly through humanitarian assistance, aimed at rebuilding a nation ravaged by years of civil war.
A senior official from the Biden administration echoed Biden’s commitment to interact broadly with Syrian society, which includes opposition groups and organizations operating within Syria and exiled communities. However, Biden warned about maintaining vigilance, especially concerning the actions of the leading rebel group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which the US branded as a terrorist organization. There are concerns within US intelligence regarding the possible links between HTS and ISIS, prompting Biden to indicate that the US would scrutinize not just the proclamations made by rebel leaders but also their forthcoming actions post-conflict.
The remarks made by Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, the figurehead of HTS, were also noted. He proclaimed victory for the Islamic community and indicated that the armed opposition aims to establish a government reliant on institutional frameworks chosen through public consensus. Meanwhile, the issue of remaining chemical weapon stockpiles in Syria garnered attention from the Biden administration, categorizing it as a priority despite not envisioning a direct involvement of US ground forces in addressing this issue.
Additionally, Biden reaffirmed his commitment to securing the release of Austin Tice, a freelance journalist who has been held in Syria since 2012. He expressed hope that Tice is still alive and reiterated the commitment to bringing him back safely to his family.
In efforts to gather intelligence about Tice’s whereabouts, US officials have reached out to Syrian opposition forces. Meanwhile, the FBI continues to advocate for information leading to Tice’s safe return, offering a reward of up to $1 million. The president’s remarks draw a complex picture of the geopolitical landscape in Syria, emphasizing the balancing act between caution and opportunity as the dust settles on the Assad regime’s tumultuous end.
This development responds strongly to long-standing international concerns and points towards a potentially pivotal moment for the Middle Eastern landscape under the new American approach to foreign relations.
