In a landmark address today, President Joe Biden proclaimed the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime as a "fundamental act of justice" and a "historic opportunity" for the long-suffering people of Syria. This momentous event marks the end of over five decades of authoritarian rule by the Assad family, culminating in a swift transition of power as opposition forces seized control of Damascus.
"At long last, the Assad regime has fallen," President Biden stated from the White House. "This regime brutalized, tortured, and killed literally hundreds of thousands of innocent Syrians. Today, we celebrate not just the end of an oppressive government, but the dawn of a new chapter for Syria."
The President emphasized that while this transition brings hope, it also presents significant risks and uncertainties. The United States remains committed to supporting Syria's neighbors—Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Israel—to ensure regional stability and security during this transitional period.
Biden acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly the potential for ISIS to exploit the power vacuum left by Assad's departure. "We will not let that happen," he asserted, highlighting ongoing U.S. military operations aimed at countering ISIS threats in the region.
In his remarks, Biden credited the collapse of Assad’s regime to a combination of factors, including diminished support from key allies such as Iran and Russia. "For the first time ever, neither Russia nor Iran could defend this abhorrent regime in Syria," he noted, attributing this shift to ongoing geopolitical dynamics influenced by conflicts in Ukraine and Israel.