President Joe Biden addressed the nation on December 8, 2024, regarding the dramatic developments in Syria, following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Here are the key points from his remarks:
Fall of Assad Regime
Biden called the collapse of Assad’s government a “fundamental act of justice” and a “historic opportunity” for the Syrian people[4][6]. He stated, “At long last, the Assad regime has fallen,” noting that the regime had “brutalized, tortured and killed literally hundreds of thousands of innocent Syrians”[1].
Risks and Opportunities
The president acknowledged that while this is a moment of opportunity, it also presents “considerable risk and uncertainty”[1][4]. He emphasized the need to support Syria’s neighbors, including Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Israel, against potential threats[1].
U.S. Response
Biden outlined several steps the U.S. is taking:
- Conducting precision airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria[7][9].
- Maintaining approximately 900 U.S. troops in northeastern Syria to support Kurdish-led forces against ISIS[5][7].
- Engaging with all Syrian groups to establish a transition away from the Assad regime[6].
- Sending senior officials to the region and personally engaging with regional leaders[9].
Caution and Vigilance
Biden warned about the potential resurgence of ISIS and the questionable backgrounds of some rebel groups[6][9]. He stated, “Make no mistake, some of the rebel factions that contributed to al-Assad’s downfall have their own troubling histories of terrorism”[5].
Regional Dynamics
The president credited U.S. actions in other conflicts for weakening Syria’s backers – Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah – which ultimately contributed to Assad’s fall[6]. He stated, “Our approach has shifted the balance of power in the Middle East”[6].
In conclusion, Biden’s address balanced cautious optimism with a realistic assessment of the challenges ahead, emphasizing U.S. commitment to stability in the region while acknowledging the complexities of the situation in Syria.
Citations:
[1] https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-urges-us-stay-syria-mess-biden-speak/story?id=116570293
[2] https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/syria-civil-war-12-08-2024/index.html
[3] https://www.npr.org/2024/12/08/nx-s1-5218163/president-biden-gives-white-house-address-on-the-dramatic-events-in-syria
[4] https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-biden-delivers-remarks-on-the-ouster-of-syrian-president-assad-by-opposition-forces
[5] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/8/us-caught-surprise-syria-overthrows-al-assad-analysis
[6] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/biden-bashar-assad-fall/
[7] https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/08/politics/biden-assad-syria-white-house/index.html
[8] https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/syria-civil-war-12-07-2024-intl/index.html
[9] https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/08/us/politics/biden-syria-assad-isis.html
[10] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/syria-civil-war-assad-fall-damascus-opposition/
[11] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrierEVCzDs
[12] https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/12/08/world/syria-war-damascus
[13] https://www.perplexity.ai/elections/2024-11-05/us/president
Source:
The White House , Midtown Tribune