US President Biden delivers a speech in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, USA on November 26, 2024.
Nathan Howard | Reuters
President Joe Biden cheered the fall of Syria’s dictatorship in a speech on Sunday but warned of uncertainty during the country’s political transition.
“This is a historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria to build a better future for their proud country,” he said in the White House’s Roosevelt Room. “This is also a time of great risk and uncertainty. “As we turn to the question of what happens next, the United States will work with our partners and stakeholders in Syria to help them manage the risks.”
Biden said the United States would support Syria’s neighbors during the transition, including Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon and Israel, and send senior officials to the region. He also pledged to continue the mission against the Islamic State and to ensure the security of detention facilities holding Islamic State fighters in Syria.
“We are well aware that ISIS will try to use the new vacuum to rebuild its capabilities and create a safe haven. We will not let that happen,” Biden said.
He added that the US military carried out more than a dozen precision airstrikes in Syria on Sunday, targeting “Islamic State” camps and operatives.
But he noted that it was not just Islamic State that posed a threat. Biden said the United States would remain vigilant, adding that some of the rebel groups that toppled Assad’s regime also had records of terrorism and human rights abuses.
“They are saying the right things now, but as they take on greater responsibility, we will evaluate not only their words but their actions,” he said.
The United States will also help “all Syrian groups” establish an independent and sovereign government. The commitment will include providing humanitarian aid to Syria, which has endured 13 years of civil war.
Biden also said his administration is committed to returning Austin Tice to his family. Tice is an American journalist who was kidnapped in Damascus in 2012 and detained by the Syrian government. Biden said the United States believed Tice was still alive.
Syrian rebels captured the capital Damascus on Sunday. Russia’s Foreign Ministry says President Bashar Assad has resigned and left the country, ending his family’s decades-long dictatorship in Syria.
“We’re not sure where he is, but sources say he’s in Moscow,” Biden said, later adding that Assad should be held accountable.
Assad took over as leader of the country in 2000 after his father died. Assad’s allies include Russia, Iran and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Biden said all three allies are “much weaker” now than when he took office.
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