President Joe Biden addressed the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria on Sunday, describing it as both a “historic opportunity” and a “moment of risk and uncertainty” for the Middle East.
Speaking from the White House’s Roosevelt Room, Biden characterized the regime’s downfall as a “fundamental act of justice” after decades of oppression under Bashar al-Assad and his father, but acknowledged the challenges ahead.
Biden reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to preventing a resurgence of ISIS in Syria, warning that the terrorist group could attempt to exploit the current political vacuum. “We’re clear-eyed about the fact that ISIS will try to take advantage of this moment to reestablish its capability and create a safe haven. We will not let that happen.”
According to the president, securing Syria’s remaining chemical weapons stockpiles is a “top-tier priority” for the U.S. and its allies. While U.S. officials have no plans to put American forces on the ground to manage the weapons directly, they are coordinating with regional and international partners to ensure the stockpiles do not fall into the wrong hands.
Biden credited U.S. and allied actions for weakening Assad’s primary backers—Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah—stating that “for the first time, they could no longer defend Assad’s grip on power.” He emphasized the U.S.’s ongoing support for Syria’s neighbors, including Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, and Israel, during this volatile period.
The President pledged support to help Syrians rebuild their country and establish a government that is “independent, sovereign, and inclusive of all Syrians,” while also reaffirming that the U.S. remains committed to its security interests in the region.
Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump has adopted a more hands-off stance, stating that the U.S. should have nothing to do with Syria” and emphasizing that the regime’s collapse highlights the weakened state of Assad’s allies in Russia and Iran. Trump further suggested that Assad’s fall could present an opportunity to resolve Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
