Biden says Assad’s fall in Syria is a ‘fundamental act of justice,’ but ‘a moment of risk’
WASHINGTON D.C., DC — President Joe Biden stated on Sunday that the sudden collapse of the Syrian government under Bashar Assad represents a “fundamental act of justice” after years of repression. However, he acknowledged it was also “a moment of risk and uncertainty” for the Middle East.
Biden’s remarks came shortly after rebel groups successfully took control of Syria, concluding over a dozen years of violent civil war and decades of leadership under Assad and his family. He mentioned that while the United States was uncertain about Assad’s current location, they were closely monitoring reports indicating he was seeking refuge in Moscow.
The Biden administration, alongside President-elect Donald Trump’s team, was assessing new threats and opportunities emerging across the Middle East. Biden credited U.S. actions, along with those of its allies, for significantly weakening Syria’s support from Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, stating that for the first time, these nations could no longer sustain Assad’s hold on power.
“Our approach has shifted the balance of power in the Middle East,” Biden declared following a meeting with his national security team.
Trump commented that Assad had fled due to the apparent disinterest of his close ally, Russian President Vladimir Putin, in protecting him any longer. This statement coincided with Trump’s previous denouncement of potential U.S. military intervention in Syria, emphasizing, “THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT.” The Biden administration confirmed no intention to intervene militarily.
The U.S. currently maintains approximately 900 troops in Syria, some of whom are collaborating with Kurdish allies in the opposition-held northeast to prevent the Islamic State group from regaining strength. Biden confirmed the intention for American forces to remain in the region and reported that U.S. forces conducted “dozens” of “precision air strikes” against Islamic State camps and operations in Syria.
“We’re clear-eyed about the fact that ISIS will try and take advantage of any vacuum to reestablish its credibility and create a safe haven,” Biden noted. “We will not let that happen.”
Leading the Syrian opposition that contributed to Assad’s fall is Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which the U.S. identifies as a terrorist organization linked to al-Qaida, despite the group claiming it has severed ties. Biden remarked, “We will remain vigilant.” He added that while some rebel groups are vocalizing the right sentiments, their past actions warrant scrutiny.
“As they take on greater responsibility, we will assess not just their words, but their actions,” Biden stated.
Assad’s downfall intensifies existing tensions in the region, affecting various conflicts, including Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza and its tenuous cease-fire with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Trump connected the developments in Syria with Russia’s war in Ukraine, highlighting that Assad’s allies in Moscow, as well as Iran, who sponsors Hamas and Hezbollah, are presently in a weakened state.
Vice President-elect JD Vance, a veteran of the U.S.-led war in Iraq, expressed skepticism regarding the insurgents’ reliability, commenting, “Many of ‘the rebels’ are a literal offshoot of ISIS. One can hope they’ve moderated. Time will tell.”
Trump proposed that Assad’s removal could pave the way toward resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, insisting that Putin’s government has lost interest in Syria due to the situation in Ukraine. He called for an immediate cease-fire after discussions with French and Ukrainian leaders in Paris.
Daniel B. Shapiro, a deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, reaffirmed that the U.S. military presence in eastern Syria is to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS and not related to other aspects of the Syrian conflict. He called for all parties in Syria to protect civilians, particularly minority communities, and to respect international military norms, urging efforts toward a political resolution.
“Multiple actors in this conflict have a terrible track record, including Assad’s horrific crimes, Russia’s indiscriminate aerial bombardments, Iranian-backed militia involvement, and the atrocities of ISIS,” Shapiro added.
While Shapiro did not explicitly confirm Assad’s deposition by the insurgents, he stated, “If confirmed, no one should shed any tears over the Assad regime.” As opposition forces advanced toward Damascus, they freed political detainees from government prisons. In this climate, the family of missing U.S. journalist Austin Tice renewed calls for his recovery.
“To everyone in Syria that hears this, please remind people that we’re waiting for Austin,” Tice’s mother, Debra, expressed, urging that he be directed to his family upon his return.
Tice vanished in 2012 outside Damascus as the civil war intensified. Biden affirmed the U.S. commitment to returning Tice to his family, expressing belief in his survival and an intention to work diligently towards locating him. He emphasized the need for accountability from Assad.
“We have to identify where he is,” the president stressed.
The U.S. lacks new evidence confirming Tice’s survival, yet continues to assume he is alive and will persist in efforts to uncover his whereabouts.
