President Joe Biden expressed optimism and caution as Syria enters a new chapter following the departure of its longtime leader, Bashar al-Assad. Speaking from the White House on Sunday, Biden underscored the United States' commitment to working with international partners and stakeholders to support Syria's democratic transition after more than 13 years of devastating conflict.
Assad's departure marks the end of a brutal era for Syria. The embattled leader, along with his family, reportedly requested asylum in Russia, which granted him refuge “on humanitarian grounds,” according to Russian officials quoted by local media.
Syrian rebels took full control of Damascus, the nation's capital, over the weekend, effectively ending a bloody fight that left the country shattered. The fall of the Assad regime is seen as a significant turning point for the Middle East, offering both hope and uncertainty to the region.
Biden's response
In his remarks, President Biden assured that the United States will work closely with Syria's neighbors and other regional actors to navigate the transition period. He stressed the importance of monitoring the actions and rhetoric of the rebel factions now in control.
While the United States had no confirmation of Assad's departure, Biden acknowledged reports that the former Syrian president was in Moscow. “Assad must now face the consequences of his actions,” Biden said in a brief address to the press in Washington.
The president described Syria as at a crossroads, with immense opportunities and significant risks ahead. For the first time in years, he noted, neither Russia, Iran, nor the militant group Hezbollah exert significant influence on the situation in Syria.
“For more than a decade, Assad's survival has depended on the support of Iran, Hezbollah and Russia,” Biden said. “But over the past week, that support has weakened significantly. All three of these supporters now face challenges that have made them far more vulnerable than they were at the height of Assad's rule.”
Biden's comments highlight a shift in the balance of power in the region, as Assad's key allies – long critical to his regime's survival – now grapple with their own internal and external pressures.
A historic moment
The president also highlighted the ongoing operations against the remnants of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria. He confirmed that US forces conducted precision strikes over the weekend against ISIS camps and operatives still active in the region.
“This is a historic opportunity for the long-suffering Syrian people to build a better future for their proud nation,” Biden said. “But it is also a time of great risk and uncertainty.”
Recognizing the challenges ahead, Biden reiterated America's readiness to support Syria's transition, working with allies and regional stakeholders to minimize potential destabilization. “As we remain focused on the path forward, the United States will stand with our partners and all stakeholders in Syria to turn this moment of opportunity into lasting progress,” he said.
Future challenges
Assad's departure comes after years of civil war that left Syria in ruins. The conflict has killed hundreds of thousands of people, displaced millions and devastated the country's infrastructure. Rebuilding Syria will require not only massive financial investments but also careful political navigation as various factions vie for power in the post-Assad era.
The United States and its allies face the challenge of ensuring that the rebel groups now in control can establish a unified, inclusive government that is responsive to the needs of all Syrians. At the same time, there is fear of the potential resurgence of extremist groups, such as ISIS, which could exploit the power vacuum during the transition.
Biden's remarks also highlighted the changing dynamics in the Middle East. With Assad no longer in power, the influence of Iran, Hezbollah and Russia in Syria is expected to decline, potentially reshaping alliances and rivalries in the region.
The president's cautious tone reflects the sensitivity of this moment. While Assad's departure is widely seen as a victory for the Syrian opposition and a step towards ending the conflict, the path to stability and democracy remains fraught with uncertainty.
A new beginning for Syria
For the Syrian people, the end of the Assad regime offers a glimmer of hope after more than a decade of suffering. The international community is now faced with the task of supporting Syria in its reconstruction, not only physically, but politically and socially.
As Biden noted, this moment represents a critical turning point. Decisions made in the coming months will shape Syria's future for years to come, determining whether the nation can achieve lasting peace and prosperity or succumb to further instability.
The role of the United States in this process will be fundamental. Working with regional partners and global allies, the Biden administration aims to help Syria seize this opportunity to move toward a freer and more democratic future, while managing the inherent risks of such a complex transition.
