Biden on Syria: U.S. to Monitor New Leadership, Assess Actions
DAMASCUS, SYRIA (North Press) – U.S. President Joe Biden delivered a televised address on Sunday, emphasizing Washington’s commitment to monitoring Syria’s new leadership following the dramatic fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
“At long last, the Assad regime has fallen,” Biden declared at the beginning of his speech from the White House.
The announcement came after the Assad regime collapsed earlier in the day, with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied factions seizing control following 12 days of intense clashes with Syrian government forces.
Biden described the regime’s fall as “a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria to build a better future for their proud country.” However, he tempered his optimism by acknowledging, “It’s also a moment of risk and uncertainty as we all turn to the question of what comes next.”
Accountability and Continued Engagement
Biden underscored the atrocities committed under Assad’s rule, reiterating that accountability remains a priority for the U.S. “Bashar al-Assad must be held accountable for the torture, murder, and other heinous crimes his regime inflicted on the Syrian people,” Biden said, adding that the U.S. will work to ensure such accountability.
Turning to the role of the United States in Syria’s future, Biden outlined plans for continued involvement. “We will engage with all Syrian groups, including within the process led by the United Nations, to establish a transition away from the Assad regime toward an independent, sovereign Syria with a new constitution and a government that serves all Syrians,” he explained.
The president also expressed concern about the potential for instability. He affirmed, “We will assess the actions and behaviors of Syria’s new leadership and remain vigilant toward the risks posed by terrorist organizations and extremist groups in the region.”
A Message to Regional Powers
In his speech, Biden highlighted the failures of both Russia and Iran to preserve Assad’s grip on power. “Neither Moscow nor Tehran was able to shield Assad from the consequences of his actions,” he said, emphasizing that U.S. strategy has significantly weakened both nations’ influence in Syria.
He added, “The United States will continue to secure northeastern Syria and ensure that ISIS does not resurge in any form, reaffirming America’s vigilance against terrorist groups.”
The president concluded by emphasizing the importance of collaboration with regional partners to navigate Syria’s transitional phase. “We will work closely with regional leaders to support a sustainable and inclusive path forward,” Biden noted.
Implications for Syria and the Region
Biden’s remarks set the tone for a cautious but engaged U.S. approach to Syria’s unfolding political transformation. As the international community grapples with the aftermath of Assad’s downfall, Biden’s administration has signaled its intent to prioritize stability, human rights, and counter-terrorism in its dealings with Syria.