In remarks made at the White House on Sunday, President Biden described the recent downfall of the Assad regime in Syria as “a fundamental act of justice.” He stated, “At long last, the Assad regime has fallen. This regime brutalized and tortured and killed literally hundreds of thousands of innocent Syrians. A fall [of the regime] is a fundamental act of justice.”
Biden emphasized the importance of this moment, calling it “a historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria to build a better future for their proud country.” However, he also acknowledged the accompanying “moment of risk and uncertainty.”
U.S. pledges support for Syrian stability following the regime’s collapse
The Syrian government’s collapse occurred early Sunday when rebels entered the capital, Damascus, bringing an end to the Assad family’s 50-year reign in the country. This change followed a rapid 10-day offensive by rebel forces, who swiftly captured extensive territories previously held by the government.
“The United States will collaborate with our partners and stakeholders in Syria to help them seize this opportunity to manage the risk,” the president stated. He identified Russia, Iran, and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah as “the main backers” of Syrian leader Bashar Assad in recent years.
However, Biden noted that “over the last week, their support collapsed, all three of them, because all three of them are far weaker today than they were when I took office.” He referenced the ongoing conflicts involving these entities, particularly their struggles against Israel and Ukraine.
Additionally, the president highlighted the need for “the opposition groups who seek a role in governing Syria to demonstrate their commitment to the rights of all Syrians, the rule of law, and the protection of religious and ethnic minorities.”
