WASHINGTON — In a recent address, President Joe Biden expressed that the abrupt fall of the Syrian government, led by Bashar Assad, represents a “fundamental act of justice” following years of oppression, although he acknowledged the situation as one filled with “risk and uncertainty” for the Middle East.
Biden’s remarks came shortly after rebel factions successfully took control of Syria, bringing to close over a decade of intense civil conflict and the Assad regime that had dominated the region for generations. The president indicated that the United States is actively monitoring Assad’s situation, referencing reports from Russian state media that suggest he may have sought refuge in Moscow.
The transitioning Biden administration, along with President-elect Donald Trump, is navigating a landscape filled with new risks and opportunities across the Middle East. During his comments, Biden recognized the role of U.S. and allied efforts in diminishing the influence of Syria’s key supporters, including Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, noting that for the first time, they are unable to uphold Assad’s hold on power.
“Our approach has shifted the balance of power in the Middle East,” Biden asserted following a meeting with his national security advisors. Meanwhile, Trump highlighted that Assad’s departure was influenced by the apparent disinterest of Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, in his protection.
On his social media platform, Trump reiterated his stance against U.S. military involvement in Syria to assist the rebels, stating categorically, “THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT,” while the Biden administration confirmed that there are no plans for military intervention. The United States currently maintains approximately 900 troops in Syria, primarily collaborating with Kurdish allies to curb any resurgence of the Islamic State. Biden emphasized that U.S. forces will remain, and on the same day, conducted “precision air strikes” targeting IS operations, hitting over 75 sites, according to U.S. Central Command.
“We’re aware that ISIS will attempt to exploit any void to regain its foothold and establish safe havens,” Biden stated, using an alternate acronym for the terrorist group. “We will prevent that from happening.” The opposition that played a role in overthrowing Assad is predominantly led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which the U.S. has classified as a terrorist organization with connections to al-Qaida, though the group claims it has since dissociated itself from them.
“We will remain vigilant,” Biden warned, acknowledging that some factions involved in Assad’s ousting carry their own severe records of terrorism and human rights violations. “As they assume more responsibility, we will evaluate not only their words but also their actions,” he added.
A senior official from the Biden administration remarked that there has been communication with various Syrian groups in the aftermath of Assad’s exit, though they remained unnamed. This official, who requested anonymity, indicated that recent U.S. efforts have concentrated on ensuring the safety of chemical weapons previously managed by the Assad regime.
Assad’s fall exacerbates an already volatile regional landscape, highlighted by ongoing conflicts, including Israel’s struggle with Hamas in Gaza and a delicate ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Both Biden and Trump linked the turmoil in Syria to the broader context of Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, suggesting that Assad’s allies are presently in a compromised position.
Vice President-elect JD Vance, with experience from the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, expressed doubt regarding the insurgents, cautioning that many of them are fundamentally affiliated with ISIS. “One can hope they’ve moderated. Time will tell,” he noted. Trump posited that Assad’s exit could pave the way for a resolution in Ukraine, referencing his call for a ceasefire following meetings in Paris with French and Ukrainian leaders.
Daniel B. Shapiro, a deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, reiterated that the American military presence in eastern Syria is solely focused on defeating ISIS and not on any other facets of the conflict. He urged all parties involved in Syria to prioritize the protection of civilians, especially those in vulnerable communities, and to adhere to international military standards while seeking a comprehensive political resolution.
He added that given their appalling histories, including Assad’s egregious offenses, Russia’s widespread aerial assaults, Iranian-backed militia actions, and ISIS’s atrocities, “no one should shed any tears over the Assad regime.”
As opposition forces advanced toward Damascus, they managed to release political prisoners from government facilities. Amid this, there were renewed pleas from the family of missing American journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared in 2012 amid the escalating conflict near Damascus. Tice’s mother made an appeal via social media, urging those in Syria to help reunite him with his family.
“We believe he’s alive; we think we can get him back, but we lack direct evidence to confirm that at this stage. Assad must be held accountable,” Biden commented at the White House. He also emphasized the necessity of determining Tice’s current location.
Although there is no new evidence verifying Tice’s status, U.S. officials continue to operate under the belief that he is alive, pledging to identify his location and facilitate his return home.
