Biden claims credit for the fall of Syria’s Assad
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US President Joe Biden believes that the al-Assad rule fell due to Washington's efforts to weaken the former president's supporters.
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President Joe Biden speaks about the sudden collapse of the Syrian government under Bashar Assad from the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington, on December 8, 2024. (AP)
US President Joe Biden claimed credit for the fall of Damascus at the hands of the new government forces, which include Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), saying that Washington weakened the supporters of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
On Sunday, Biden said in a video address from the White House that the result of the lighting offensive of anti-government armed groups in the past two weeks was a "fundamental act of justice" and a "moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering citizens of Syria".
He said that the backers of al-Assad are Iran, Hezbollah, and Russia, claiming that their support "collapsed" and is "far weaker today".
In his speech, Biden emphasized US sanctions on Syria, its military presence there, and support for Kurdish militias in the northeast, which have blocked Damascus from accessing fertile lands and oil fields. He also noted US backing of "Israel" in its military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as its confrontation with Iran.
Biden said, “Our approach has shifted the balance of power in the Middle East,” mirroring similar remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and adding, "Through this combination of support of our partners, sanctions, diplomacy, and targeted military force where necessary, we now see new opportunities opening up for the people of Syria and for the entire region."
Biden says US to work with partners in Syria
On Sunday, Biden called Syria's political upheaval following the ousting of al-Assad a "historic opportunity" for Syrians to rebuild their nation.
During a White House statement on the situation in Syria, he said that Washington will "remain vigilant" against the development of terrorist organizations. Describing it as a "historic opportunity for the long-suffering people of Syria," Biden called the fall of the Syrian regime a "fundamental act of justice."
When asked what should happen to the overthrown president, who is reportedly in Moscow, Biden voiced that he should be "held accountable," expressing that the US will support Syrians in rebuilding their nation, without delving into the details of this support.
"We will engage with all Syrian groups, including within the process led by the United Nations, to establish a transition away from the Assad regime toward independent, sovereign" democratic Syria "with a new constitution," the US president said.
Biden also stated, "First, we'll support Syria's neighbors ... should any threat arise from Syria during this period of transition," further disclosing that senior officials from his administration will visit the region soon.
The US will also ensure stability, particularly in eastern Syria, and protect its personnel "against any threat," while continuing efforts to combat ISIS, including maintaining "the security of detention facilities where ISIS fighters are being held as prisoners," the outgoing US president said.
