President Joe Biden on sunday called the remarkable fall of the Assad regime in Syria “a moment of risk” and “historic opportunity” while offering a blueprint for how the US plans to support the region.
Speaking at the White House in his first substantive comments since President Bashar al-Assad’s regime fell in the face of an astonishingly swift rebel offensive, Biden also announced the US had conducted dozens of airstrikes in Syria as it remains committed to preventing the resurgence of ISIS.
“It’s a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria to build a better future for their proud country,” Biden said from the Roosevelt Room. “It’s also a moment of risk and uncertainty. As we all turn to the question of what comes next, the United States will work with our partners and the stakeholders in Syria to help them seize an opportunity to manage the risk.”
Biden vowed to support Syria’s neighbors during the transition and to protect US personnel in their continued mission against ISIS. The president said he plans to speak with his counterparts in the area “in the coming days” and that US officials will deploy to the region.
The US is prioritizing efforts to prevent the resurgence of ISIS, Biden said, adding that he is “clear-eyed about the fact that ISIS will try to take advantage of any vacuum to reestablish its capability to create a safe haven,” but starkly saying, “We will not let that happen.”
Biden noted those efforts include securing detention facilities where ISIS fighters are being held as prisoners, as well as “precision strikes” in Syria targeting ISIS.
As part of that effort, US forces on Sunday conducted dozens of airstrikes, striking more than 75 ISIS targets using Air Force assets including B-52 bombers, F-15 fighter jets and A-10 aircraft, according to US Central command.
“There should be no doubt — we will not allow ISIS to reconstitute and take advantage of the current situation in Syria. All organizations in Syria should know that we will hold them accountable if they partner with or support ISIS in any way,” gen. Erik Kurilla, commander of CENTCOM, said in a statement.
The Assad regime’s collapse represented a spectacularly fast fall from power for the Syrian dictator after a 14-year war, one that had been relatively stagnant until just last month. More than 300,000 civilians have been killed in more than a decade of war, according to the United Nations, and millions of people have been displaced.
Biden pledged in his remarks to engage with Syrian groups as the country transitions toward an “autonomous, sovereign … new government that serves all of Syria.”
“This process will be persistent by the Syrian people themselves,” Biden said. “The United States will do whatever we can to support them, including through humanitarian relief, to help restore Syria after more than a decade of war and generation of brutality by the Assad family.”
US Secretary of state Antony Blinken echoed Biden’s comments, saying in a statement Sunday that the US strongly supports a peaceful transition of power to an accountable Syrian government.
“During this transitional period, the Syrian people have every right to demand the preservation of state institutions, the resumption of key services, and the protection of vulnerable communities,” Blinken said.
“We take a note of statements by the leaders of these rebel groups in recent days, and they’re saying the right things now, but as they take on greater responsibility, we will assess not just their word, but their actions,” Biden said.
Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, who heads HTS, declared victory for the “entire Islamic nation” on Sunday in his first public remarks as the rebel-led coup, which he said “marks a new chapter in the history of the region.”
The senior Biden administration official said Sunday the White House has also “been concentrated” over the last week on the issue of any remaining chemical weapons in Syria, calling it a “top-tier priority.” The senior official did not envision a scenario in which the administration would put US forces on the ground to deal with the chemical weapons.
Blinken said the US will support international efforts to hold the Assad regime and its backers accountable for atrocities perpetrated against the Syrian people, including “the use of chemical weapons and the unjust detention of civilians such as Austin Tice.”
Biden also reiterated his commitment to bringing home freelance journalist Austin Tice, who has been held in Syria since 2012.“We remain committed to returning him to his family,” Biden said in his Sunday remarks, adding, “We believe he’s alive. We think we can get him back.”
US officials reached out to Syrian opposition forces on Thursday about Austin Tice, hoping to learn more about his whereabouts. The FBI said Sunday it is still offering a reward of up to $1 million for data that can lead to Tice’s safe return.
This story and headline have been updated with additional developments.
How can the international community effectively support Syria’s transition to a new government?
Interview Between time.news editor and Foreign policy Expert on the Recent Developments in Syria
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we are joined by Dr. Sarah Khan,a renowned expert on middle Eastern politics and foreign policy. Dr. Khan, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Sarah Khan: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: let’s dive right in. President Biden recently described the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime as both a “moment of risk” and a “historic opportunity” for Syria. What do you make of this characterization?
Dr. Khan: It’s a balanced and accurate way to describe the complexities at play. The end of Assad’s regime indeed offers a chance for the Syrian people to build a new government and reclaim their agency after years of oppression. However, the vacuum left behind creates meaningful risks, both in terms of potential instability and the threat posed by groups like ISIS.
Editor: Speaking of ISIS, President Biden emphasized the commitment to preventing its resurgence. How viable do you think these efforts will be, considering the current instability?
Dr. Khan: The U.S. military strategy, which includes airstrikes and securing detention facilities, is critical in the short term. General Erik Kurilla’s statement about holding accountable those who partner with or support ISIS reflects a serious approach. However,without a unified and stable governance structure in Syria,long-term security will remain challenging. This requires not just military action, but also political solutions.
Editor: Biden mentioned supporting Syria’s neighbors during the transition. how significant is regional cooperation in stabilizing Syria?
Dr. Khan: It’s absolutely crucial. Neighboring countries, particularly Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan, have been substantially affected by the Syrian war and the influx of refugees. Collaborative efforts can help manage humanitarian needs and ensure security on their borders. Regional partners possess unique insights and capabilities that could aid in establishing a stable governance framework.
Editor: You touched on humanitarian efforts. Biden pledged support for restoring Syria after years of brutality. In your view, what should be the U.S.’s role in humanitarian relief efforts?
Dr. Khan: The U.S. must take a lead in coordinating international humanitarian assistance. This includes providing direct aid and facilitating a broader multilateral approach. It is vital to address the basic needs of the Syrian population—food, shelter, and healthcare—as rebuilding efforts begin. Equally important is fostering grassroots initiatives that empower local communities to contribute to the recovery process.
Editor: You mentioned the chance for Syrians to establish a new government. What form might this government take, and what would be required for it to succeed?
Dr. Khan: an ideal government would be autonomous and representative of all Syrian groups, emphasizing inclusivity. The transition will require a robust peace process, reconciliation efforts, and substantial international support. Local governance structures should also be encouraged, empowering communities to participate actively in political processes.
Editor: Given the history of conflict in Syria, what are the biggest obstacles to implementing this vision?
Dr. Khan: The biggest obstacles include deep-seated sectarian divides, external influences from key players like Russia and Iran, and the remnants of armed groups that could disrupt peace efforts. Additionally, a lack of trust among different factions and a long history of abuse will complicate reconciliation. Building a new government that genuinely serves the people while addressing these divisions will take time and considerable effort.
Editor: Before we conclude, what is your overall outlook for Syria in the wake of this significant political shift?
Dr. Khan: It’s a mixed outlook. While this could be a transformative moment for Syria, the path ahead is fraught with challenges. A concerted effort by the international community, regional powers, and the Syrian people will be vital in curbing violence and cultivating a stable, inclusive future. Hope should be tempered with realism, but it’s certainly a pivotal time for Syria.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Khan, for sharing your insights on this critical issue.We appreciate your expertise as we continue to monitor this evolving situation.
Dr. Khan: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep the conversation going about Syria’s future.