During the NATO Summit’s Ukraine Compact session, President Joe Biden addressed the removal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, describing it as a significant act of justice and a pivotal moment for the Syrian people.
After enduring 13 years of civil war and decades of authoritarian rule by Assad and his father, rebel forces led by the Sunni Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) succeeded in forcing Assad to resign and flee Syria. Biden acknowledged the challenges and opportunities posed by this development and reaffirmed U.S. commitment to supporting stability in the region.
Biden emphasized the risks associated with the power vacuum created by Assad’s overthrow, particularly the potential resurgence of the Islamic State (ISIS). To address this, the U.S. launched precision airstrikes targeting ISIS camps, aiming to prevent the group from exploiting the instability. He assured that the U.S. would not allow ISIS to reestablish itself as a credible threat or create a safe haven in the region.
Joe Biden
Acknowledging concerns about HTS, Biden noted their promises to protect minority groups within Syria but remained cautious due to their classification as a terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department.
He stressed that the U.S. would closely monitor HTS’s actions and not just their rhetoric, as the group transitions into a governing role. Biden underscored the importance of accountability for any potential human rights abuses or acts of terrorism by the new leadership.
In addition to Syria, Biden reiterated his administration’s unwavering support for Israel, highlighting its military operations amid the ongoing conflict involving Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. Israel seized the demilitarized border area between itself and Syria, asserting that the previous agreements with the Assad regime were void following the coup. Biden’s comments reinforced his administration’s strategic priorities in the Middle East amid evolving dynamics.
The President’s address reflected a broader U.S. strategy to balance engagement with regional allies, mitigate risks of extremist resurgence, and maintain a vigilant stance toward new leadership in Syria. While the fall of Assad marks a historic shift, Biden’s cautious tone underscored the complexity of ensuring stability and accountability in the post-coup environment.
