US President Joe Biden delivers a speech from the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, United States, November 26, 2024.
Nathan Howard | Reuters
president Joe Biden Syrian President Bashar al-Assad cheered the overthrow of the dictatorship in Syria in his remarks on Sunday, but warned of the uncertainty surrounding the country's political transition.
“This is a moment of historic opportunity for the long-suffering Syrian people to build a better future for their proud country,” he said from the Roosevelt Room in the White House. “It is also a moment of risk and uncertainty. As we navigate the question of what comes next, the United States will work with our partners and stakeholders in Syria to help them seize the opportunity to manage risks.”
Biden said the United States will support Syria's neighbors, including Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon and Israel, during the transitional period and will send senior officials to the region. He also pledged to continue the mission against ISIS and ensure the security of detention centers in Syria that house ISIS fighters.
“We are clear about the fact that ISIS will try to take advantage of the new vacuum to rebuild its capabilities and create a safe haven,” Biden said. “We will not allow that to happen.”
He added that American forces carried out eleven precise air strikes in Syria, targeting ISIS camps and members.
But he pointed out that ISIS is not the only one that poses a threat. Biden said the United States will remain vigilant, adding that some of the rebel groups that toppled the Assad regime have their own records of terrorism and human rights violations.
He added: “They are saying the right things now, but as they take on greater responsibility, we will evaluate not only their words, but also their actions.”
The United States will also help “all Syrian groups” form an independent, sovereign government. This pledge will include providing humanitarian aid to help Syria after 13 years of civil war.
Biden also said his administration is committed to returning Austin Tice to his family. Tice, an American journalist, was kidnapped in Damascus in 2012 and detained by the Syrian government. Biden said the United States believes Tice is alive.
On Sunday, Syrian opposition forces took control of the capital, Damascus. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced that President Bashar al-Assad had resigned and left the country. Ending his family's decades-long dictatorship in Syria.
“We are not sure where he is, but there are reports that he is in Moscow,” Biden said, adding later that Assad must be held accountable.
Al-Assad assumed leadership of the country in 2000 after the death of his father. Assad's allies include Russia, Iran and the Lebanese Hezbollah group. Biden said the three allies are now “far weaker” than they were when he took office.
